By Team INVC | INVC NEWS
Published: August 30, 2026 | 11:45 AM IST
BENGALURU, India | August 30, 2026 —
The Duleep Trophy 2026 semi-final between Central Zone and East Zone began with an immediate battle for control as Abhijit Sarkar removed opener Aman Mokhade after East Zone captain Ishan Kishan won the toss and chose to bowl.
Central Zone reached 29 for one after nine overs in the early Day 1 score snapshot. Wicketkeeper-batter Aryan Juyal was unbeaten on 18, while Kunal Chandela had joined him at the crease.
The contest has attracted rising search interest around Aryan Juyal, Rinku Singh, Rajat Patidar and Mohammed Shami, all of whom feature in a star-packed semi-final at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Central Zone Lose Aman Mokhade
East Zone’s decision to bowl produced its first reward when Sarkar dismissed Mokhade for eight. The opener consumed 29 deliveries and struck one boundary before falling with the score on 28.
Juyal looked more positive at the other end. His unbeaten 18 came from 25 balls and included three boundaries.
Mohammed Shami opened with a controlled spell, conceding only seven runs from his first four overs. Mukesh Kumar operated from the other end and gave away 16 runs in four overs.
Sarkar then delivered the breakthrough in his opening over.
Rajat Patidar and Rinku Singh in Spotlight
Central Zone captain Rajat Patidar and vice-captain Rinku Singh were yet to bat at the time of the early score update.
Patidar is leading the defending champions as they begin their title defence directly from the semi-final stage. He was one of Central Zone’s leading performers during its successful previous campaign.
Rinku’s inclusion has added another layer of excitement. Although best known for his explosive limited-overs batting, this four-day contest gives him an opportunity to underline his red-ball credentials.
The BCCI’s official squad announcement confirmed Patidar as Central Zone captain, with Rinku among the major names selected for the tournament.
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Mohammed Shami Leads East Zone Attack
East Zone entered the semi-final with a potent bowling attack featuring Shami, Mukesh Kumar and Sarkar.
Shami’s early spell did not produce a wicket, but his control kept the Central Zone openers from scoring freely. His duel with Patidar and Rinku could become one of the defining contests of the opening day.
East Zone also carries considerable batting strength through captain Ishan Kishan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Gharami and teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
East Zone Arrived After Crushing Quarter-Final Win
East Zone reached the semi-final after defeating North East Zone by an innings and 210 runs.
Shahbaz Ahmed starred in that victory with a commanding 167, while Sudip Gharami scored 146. Anukul Roy completed a five-wicket haul as North East Zone’s second innings collapsed.
Central Zone, meanwhile, received direct entry into the semi-final as the defending champion.
That contrast creates an intriguing contest: East Zone arrives with winning momentum, while Central Zone brings a rested squad loaded with established batting names.
Central Zone Playing XI
Central Zone’s line-up includes:
- Aman Mokhade
- Aryan Juyal
- Kunal Chandela
- Rajat Patidar
- Yash Rathod
- Rinku Singh
- Saransh Jain
- Harsh Dubey
- Yash Thakur
- Arshad Khan
- Aditya Sarwate Pandey
East Zone Playing XI
East Zone’s line-up includes:
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Kumar Kushagra
- Sudip Gharami
- Virat Singh
- Ishan Kishan
- Kounain Quraishi
- Anukul Roy
- Mohammed Shami
- Mukesh Kumar
- Abhijit Sarkar
Why the First Session Matters
The pitch offered enough assistance to keep the fast bowlers interested, but Juyal showed that runs were available once a batter settled.
Central Zone’s immediate task is to survive the new-ball spell and build a platform for Patidar and Rinku. East Zone, however, will sense an opening if it can strike again before the middle order settles.
The score and individual figures in this report reflect the early Day 1 snapshot and will change as the match progresses.
