Duleep Trophy Final 2023: Kaverappa shines as South Zone beats West Zone by 75 runs to clinch the title

South Zone ran through West Zone on the final day to emerge as the Duleep Trophy champion at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Sunday. West, which needed 116 runs when play started, fell short by 75 runs. The unit did not put up a fight, losing its remaining five wickets in just 22 overs.

South Zone ran through West Zone on the final day to emerge as the Duleep Trophy champion at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Sunday.

West, which needed 116 runs when play started, fell short by 75 runs. The unit did not put up a fight, losing its remaining five wickets in just 22 overs.

West’s hopes hinged on captain Priyank Panchal, who resumed on his overnight score of 92. Panchal, however, departed to a poor shot in the third over of the day.

The opener barely moved his feet and threw his bat at a delivery from Vidwath Kaverappa, offering a catch to wicketkeeper Ricky Bhui. All the good work done by Panchal on the fourth day came undone with this false stroke.

Panchal explained that he expected the ball to reverse in, when in fact it went straight on.

“I made a mistake and completely misjudged it. I should have watched the ball closely for another three or four overs before playing that shot,” Panchal said.