# South and East Zones advance to Duleep Trophy final

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-zone-participation-in-dilip-trophy
> Updated: 2026-08-31T11:55:11.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

South Zone and East Zone have advanced to the Duleep Trophy 2026 final, which is scheduled to take place at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 6.

In the second semifinal, South Zone secured a seven-wicket victory over North Zone. Captain Tilak Varma anchored the team with an unbeaten 116 in the first innings and a crucial 51 not out in the second. MD Nidheesh contributed significantly to the bowling effort, taking five wickets to help dismiss North Zone for 297 in their second innings.

In the first semifinal, East Zone defeated the defending champions, Central Zone, by four wickets. The match was notable for 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player to score a half-century in the tournament’s history with a rapid 92 in the first innings. East Zone successfully chased a target of 159, supported by captain Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 39 and bowling performances from Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar.

BCCI selectors were reportedly present in Bengaluru during the semifinals to scout talent for upcoming Test series against New Zealand and Australia.

## Claims

- Tilak Varma scored his eighth First-Class century during the Duleep Trophy semi-final. (single source)
- Tilak Varma has completed 1,600 runs in First-Class cricket. (single source)
- Tilak Varma averages over 50 across 24 red-ball games. (single source)
- Gurnoor Brar took a three-wicket haul during the second day of the match. (single source)
- Shreyas Gopal scored 88 runs during the match. (single source)
- North Zone scored 195 runs in their first innings. (single source)
- South Zone reached 285/9 by the end of Day 2. (single source)
- Gurnoor Brar dismissed Narayan Jagadeesan on his fifth delivery. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: South Zone and East Zone set for Duleep Trophy final

East Zone and South Zone will face off in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final after defeating Central Zone and North Zone in the semifinals, respectively.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tilak-varma-scores-century-in-duleep-trophy-semi-final

### 2026-08-02: Tilak Verma appointed captain of South Zone for Dilip Trophy

Tilak Verma captains South Zone for the Dilip Trophy (23 Aug‑10 Sept) in Bengaluru; Riki Bhuvi is vice‑captain, MN Vikram Verma head coach, 15‑player squad announced.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tilak-verma-appointed-captain-of-south-zone-for-dilip-trophy

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Cite as: South and East Zones advance to Duleep Trophy final. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-zone-participation-in-dilip-trophy