The second day of the 2026 Duleep Trophy semifinals produced two contrasting matches, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Tilak Varma delivering crucial batting performances for their respective teams.

East Zone matched Central Zone’s first-innings total of 266, while South Zone recovered from 80/5 to establish a 90-run lead over North Zone.

Sooryavanshi Shines for East Zone

After Central Zone were dismissed for 266, East Zone began their first innings with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi taking the attack to the bowlers.

The teenager scored 92 off 81 balls, hitting seven fours and seven sixes. He reached his half-century from just 42 balls and became the youngest batter to score a fifty in Duleep Trophy history.

Eight Runs Short of a Century

Sooryavanshi moved into the 90s and appeared capable of completing his first-class century.

However, his innings ended on 92 when he attempted a slog-sweep against Harsh Dubey and picked out Arshad Khan at deep mid-wicket.

His dismissal proved to be a turning point as East Zone began losing wickets rapidly.

Easwaran Provides Support

Abhimanyu Easwaran played a steady supporting role at the other end.

The pair added 161 runs for the opening wicket, with Easwaran eventually scoring 69 from 106 balls.

Their partnership gave East Zone a strong platform before Central Zone's bowlers fought back.

East Zone Collapse

East Zone were in a strong position at 200 for two but could not maintain their momentum.

Harsh Dubey, Aryan Pandey and Yash Thakur repeatedly struck as East lost their final five wickets for just 53 runs.

Dubey finished with 4/66, while Pandey and Thakur took three wickets each. East Zone were eventually dismissed for 266, exactly matching Central Zone's first-innings score.

Central Zone Lose Three Wickets

Central Zone began their second innings after the scores were level.

East Zone's bowlers quickly put them under pressure. Mukesh Kumar and Mohammed Shami took wickets, with captain Rajat Patidar dismissed for five.

Central ended the day at 45/3, leaving the match delicately placed going into the third day.

South Zone Face Early Trouble

In the second semifinal, North Zone had been dismissed for 195 in the first innings.

South Zone resumed at 40/2 but soon found themselves in trouble. Gurnoor Brar produced an excellent spell and helped reduce South to 80/5.

Narayan Jagadeesan, R. Smaran and Kodimela Himateja were among the wickets to fall during the difficult period.

Tilak Varma Leads the Recovery

With South Zone in serious trouble, captain Tilak Varma changed the course of the innings.

Rather than playing aggressively, he showed considerable patience and concentrated on building a long innings.

He found an excellent partner in Shreyas Gopal, and the pair began rebuilding South Zone's innings.

175-Run Partnership

Tilak and Gopal added 175 runs for the sixth wicket, taking South Zone beyond North Zone's first-innings score.

Gopal attacked the bowlers whenever opportunities arose, while Tilak concentrated on rotating the strike and preserving his wicket.

The partnership transformed South Zone's position in the match.

Tilak Unbeaten on 106

Tilak Varma completed his century from 219 balls and finished the day unbeaten on 106 from 225 deliveries, with seven fours.

It was his eighth first-class century and came at a crucial stage after South had slipped to 80/5.

Gopal Scores 87

Shreyas Gopal contributed 87 from 169 balls, including 11 fours.

His partnership with Tilak provided the foundation for South Zone's recovery, although North Zone managed to pick up several wickets towards the end of the day.

South Zone Take 90-Run Lead

South Zone reached 285/9 at stumps.

With North Zone having scored 195 in their first innings, South secured a 90-run first-innings lead.

Tilak remained unbeaten, giving South an opportunity to extend their advantage further on the third day.

Both Semifinals Remain Alive

The two matches ended Day Two in contrasting positions.

Central Zone had a narrow 45-run overall advantage but had lost three second-innings wickets, while South Zone had a clear 90-run lead with Tilak still at the crease.

The third day is therefore likely to be important in determining which teams can establish a decisive advantage.

Conclusion

The second day of the Duleep Trophy semifinals was marked by two outstanding batting performances.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's attacking 92 off 81 balls helped East Zone match Central Zone's 266, but East's late collapse allowed Central to remain in the contest. Central then lost three wickets to finish at 45/3.

In the other semifinal, Tilak Varma produced an unbeaten 106 after South Zone slipped to 80/5. His 175-run partnership with Shreyas Gopal, who scored 87, helped South reach 285/9 and take a 90-run lead over North Zone.