Veteran fast bowler
Shami’s precision dismantles South Zone
Shami’s influence was felt during two pivotal moments that broke key partnerships. His first breakthrough arrived when he trapped Shaik Rasheed lbw for 29, ending a promising 56-run third-wicket stand with Devdutt Padikkal. Later, he returned to dismiss Ravichandran Smaran, who had been building a steady 45-run partnership with captain Tilak Varma. Shami expertly set up the left-hander, moving the ball away to induce an outside edge that was safely pouched by wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra, a decision confirmed by DRS.
Earlier in the day, Devdutt Padikkal had provided South Zone with a glimmer of hope. Fresh from a successful tour of Sri Lanka, the left-hander looked composed as he raced to a 65-ball half-century. However, his innings was cut short by Mukesh Kumar, who enticed Padikkal into a pick-up flick that found a substitute fielder in the deep. This dismissal mirrored the broader struggle for South Zone, as promising momentum was repeatedly halted by timely wickets.
Captain Varma leads late resistance
The middle session proved particularly difficult for South Zone, as they managed only 61 runs while losing three wickets. Narayan Jagadeesan, who had looked fluent against the spinners, fell to part-time bowler Shikhar Mohan after attempting an aggressive cut shot that was caught by Abhimanyu Easwaran at cover. Mohan had been introduced into the attack following a finger injury to Anukul Roy.
With the team in a precarious position, captain Tilak Varma took the initiative to anchor the innings. Varma reached his third consecutive half-century of the tournament, remaining unbeaten on 56 from 133 balls at stumps. He found a reliable partner in Shreyas Gopal, with the pair adding 66 runs over 26.4 overs to offer some late-day resistance. Although Gopal eventually departed for 26, Varma and CV Milind managed to survive until the close of play.
Despite this late defiance, the deficit remains immense. With only four wickets in hand, South Zone faces an uphill battle to avoid the follow-on and remain in contention for the trophy as the match heads into its fourth day.
