Despite shubham khajuria

Despite Shubham Khajuria: Despite Shubham Khajuria hitting an unbeaten 128 off 245 balls, South Zone are still in a strong position at stumps on day three of their 2025/26 Duleep Trophy semi-final clash at the BCCI COE Ground 1 on Saturday. At the close of day three’s play, North Zone reached 278/5 and still trail South Zone by 258 runs.

After Gurjapneet Singh and MD Nidheesh took early wickets, North Zone’s innings was stabilized by a 171-run fourth-wicket partnership between Khajuria and Nishant Sindhu, who hit 82 off 148 balls. The duo ensured control stayed with North Zone through the second session becoming a wicketless affair.

But rain interrupted play in the final session, and on resumption, South Zone bounced back by removing the well-set Sindhu and then running out wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan. North Zone’s hopes of securing a first-innings lead going into the final day will now rest hugely on Khajuria and rest of the lower-order batters.