Central Zone’s Saurabh Kumar put on a spectacular bowling display in the second innings of the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal match against East Zone. The left-arm spinner picked up eight wickets to dismantle the opposition and secure victory for his team.
Saurabh had already made an impact in the first innings, claiming three wickets. With his exceptional performance in the second innings, he finished the match with a total of 10 wickets. This marked his 20th five-wicket haul in First Class cricket, as well as the seventh instance of him taking 10 wickets in a match at this level.
East Zone faced a target of 300 runs in the fourth innings, but Saurabh’s outstanding bowling severely affected their chances of victory. He took four crucial wickets on the third day of play, leaving East Zone struggling at 69/6. On the final day, he continued his domination, dismissing the remaining four batsmen to finish with figures of 8/64 in 18.2 overs.
Saurabh has been in impressive form recently, having also contributed to the Rest of India team’s victory in the Irani Cup earlier this year. In that match, he picked up four wickets, showcasing his versatility and consistency as a bowler.
The 30-year-old from Uttar Pradesh has had a successful career so far, with 248 wickets in First Class cricket since his debut in 2014. Alongside his bowling prowess, Saurabh has also showcased his batting skills, scoring 1878 runs, including two centuries and 11 half-centuries, at an average of 28.02.
Saurabh’s performance in the Duleep Trophy quarterfinals highlights his talent and capability as a bowler. His ability to pick up wickets consistently and make crucial contributions to his team’s success makes him a valuable asset. As he continues to excel in domestic cricket, Saurabh’s name may soon be on the radar of national selectors.
By delivering such an outstanding performance, Saurabh has not only bolstered Central Zone’s chances of progressing further in the tournament but has also showcased his skills to a wider audience. His remarkable eight-wicket haul will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the Duleep Trophy 2023.
