EZ vs SZ Live Score, Day 5: East Zone extend their huge lead against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final. Follow live scores and updates.
The Duleep Trophy 2026 final enters its decisive fifth day in Chennai. East Zone are in complete control against South Zone at the MA(NDTV) Chidambaram Stadium.
East Zone resumed their second innings at 212/5 on Thursday. They already held a 584-run overall lead at the close of Day 4.
The latest EZ vs SZ Live Score updates remain focused on East Zone’s declaration. Their huge advantage has left South Zone facing an enormous target.
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East Zone Build Massive Lead
East Zone scored 708 in their first innings. Ishan Kishan produced the standout performance with a magnificent 270.
Kumar Kushagra added 101, while Shikhar Mohan contributed 85. Abhimanyu Easwaran also made a valuable 72.
South Zone struggled to match that total. They were bowled out for 336 in 107.3 overs.
Tilak Varma top-scored for South Zone with 99. Devdutt Padikkal made 62, but the team remained 372 runs behind.
Ishan Kishan Leads East Zone Charge
Kishan has been the standout batter throughout the final. His 270-run innings gave East Zone a commanding first-innings advantage.
He then added 80 in the second innings. His combined 350 runs have been a major factor in East Zone’s dominance.
East Zone began their second innings aggressively after gaining the first-innings lead. They reached 212/5 by the end of Day 4.
Kushagra was unbeaten on 34 at stumps. Md Kounain Quraishi was unbeaten on 26.
Declaration Remains The Key Question
East Zone have little reason to take unnecessary risks on the final day. Their priority will be to leave enough time for South Zone to bat.
A declaration could give South Zone a huge target. It would also give East Zone enough overs to push for an outright victory.
If the match ends in a draw, the first-innings lead becomes crucial. East Zone already have a 372-run advantage from the first innings.
South Zone Face An Uphill Task
South Zone need an extraordinary performance to turn the final around. They must first restrict East Zone and then survive a long fourth-innings chase.
Their bowling attack will therefore have a major role on Day 5. Early wickets could influence when East Zone decide to declare.
However, East Zone remain firm favourites after dominating first four days. The team is also chasing its first Duleep Trophy title in 14 years.
Duleep Trophy Final Day 5
The final is being played from September 6 to September 10 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. East Zone entered the final after a strong run through tournament.
South Zone reached the final after defeating North Zone in semifinal. Tilak Varma played an important role in their campaign.
East Zone now need to complete the job on the final day. Their enormous lead has put them within touching distance of the trophy.
The EZ vs SZ Live Score will remain closely watched as East Zone decide when to declare and push for final result.
South Zone’s Batting Fight
Tilak Varma came close to a century in South Zone’s first innings. He was dismissed for 99 after making a crucial contribution.
Devdutt Padikkal also scored 62. However, South Zone could not build enough partnerships to match East Zone’s total.
Their second-innings batting will now face a much tougher test. The pressure of a huge target could make every early wicket important.
Trophy In Sight For East Zone
East Zone are chasing their first Duleep Trophy title since 2012-13. Their performance in the final has put them in a strong position.
South Zone must produce a major turnaround to change the match’s direction. East Zone, meanwhile, need to manage the final sessions carefully.
