Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced another attacking innings for East Zone against Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026 semi-final at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru on Tuesday, September 1. The 15-year-old smashed 40 off 43 balls before his impressive knock came to an end.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhimanyu Easwaran put East Zone in a commanding position with a 61-run opening stand in the run chase. Central Zone then managed only 158 in their second innings, with Aman Mokhade top-scoring with 41 runs. Earlier, both teams were bowled out for 266 in their first innings.
Rajat Patidar Takes Stunning Catch to Dismiss Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
During the 14th over, Yash Thakur bowled a good-length delivery that angled into the pads. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi cleared his front leg and tried to launch it over deep midwicket but failed to get the desired connection.
Rajat Patidar quickly moved back from midwicket and kept his eyes on the ball. He took off his cap while tracking the chance and adjusted his position before completing a superb tumbling catch.
The wicket gave Central Zone a much-needed breakthrough after East Zone scored 18 runs in the over. It also ended the opening partnership between Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhimanyu Easwaran, with the youngster’s dismissal bringing Central Zone back into the game.
Incredible catch by Rajat Patidar 😱 pic.twitter.com/ttvbVo6RUK
— Jara (@JARA_Memer) September 1, 2026
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Smashes Four Consecutive Boundaries Against Yash Thakura
Before his dismissal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a stunning attack against Yash Thakur in the 14th over. The left-hander started with a four over midwicket before finding the boundary again with a powerful stroke.
Sooryavanshi then picked the length early and sent Thakur’s fuller delivery over long-off for a six. The maximum also brought up the 50-run opening partnership between Sooryavanshi and Abhimanyu Easwaran.
The 15-year-old continued his assault with two more boundaries. He pulled a short-of-length delivery towards deep fine leg before using a deft touch to guide the next ball over the slip cordon.
4⃣,6⃣,4⃣,4⃣, 🇼
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) September 1, 2026
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 🆚 Yash Thakur battle part 2⃣ 🔥#DuleepTrophy | #CZvEZ
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/kyExeix2VY pic.twitter.com/wX8L5AHdTB
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhimanyu Easwaran Put East Zone in Strong Position
East Zone need 159 runs to win after Central Zone were bowled out for 158 in their second innings. Aman Mokhade top-scored with 41, while Arshad Khan (25), Harsh Dubey (24) and Rinku Singh (20) made useful contributions. Mukesh Kumar took 4/44, while Mohammed Shami claimed 3/56.
Both teams scored 266 in their first innings. Rinku Singh top-scored for Central Zone with 60, while Abhijit Sarkar and Mukesh Kumar shared six wickets. For East Zone, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 92, and Abhimanyu Easwaran made 69. Harsh Dubey took 4/66, while Aryan Pandey and Yash Thakur took three wickets each.
Sooryavanshi and Easwaran will be key in the chase after adding 161 for the first wicket in the first innings. Saransh Jain opened the bowling with a slip and short leg in place. Gharami left the field with the physio after appearing to hurt his right shoulder.
Also read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes East Zone captain in Duleep Trophy at 15: Here's how
