Duleep Trophy Final Day 5: East Zone Lead South Zone by 679 Runs, Penalised 5 Runs

East Zone continued to dominate the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone on Day 5 in Chennai, extending their already massive lead before South Zone were penalised five runs for wasting time.

East Zone resumed the final day at 212/5 in their second innings after taking a commanding first-innings lead. Kumar Kushagra and Md Kounain Quraishi initially continued their steady partnership, but Kushagra was eventually dismissed for 46 from 75 balls after edging a wide delivery from Chama Milind to wicketkeeper Narayan Jagadeesan.

Anukul Roy joined Quraishi at the crease and helped East Zone push their advantage further. Quraishi went on to complete his century, while Roy contributed with several attacking strokes, including two sixes in an over from Tirupurana Vijay.

Mohammed Siraj bowled an extended nine-over spell on Thursday morning but could not break the partnership. Despite creating a few opportunities around the outside edge, Siraj was unable to dismiss either batter. Quraishi also reached his fifty during the session as East Zone moved closer to 300 in their second innings.

East Zone's lead eventually crossed 650 runs, leaving South Zone with an almost impossible task. With East Zone already holding the advantage of a first-innings lead, the defending side appeared to have complete control over the outcome of the final.

The match also saw a five-run penalty awarded to East Zone after the umpires warned South Zone captain Tilak Varma over what they considered a lack of urgency and proactive movement from the fielding side. The penalty further increased East Zone's lead.

At the latest stage of play, East Zone were 307/6 in their second innings, having scored 708 in their first innings, while South Zone were dismissed for 336. Anukul Roy and Kounain Quraishi were at the crease as East Zone held a lead of 679 runs.