Duleep Trophy 2023: Prabhsimran Singh and Saurabh Kumar Lead in Most Runs and Most Wickets
In the thrilling final of the 2023 Duleep Trophy, Prabhsimran Singh and Saurabh Kumar have emerged as the top performers in the batting and bowling departments respectively. The action-packed day four witnessed some remarkable performances that have reshaped the standings.
The day began with a vibrant partnership between Sachin Baby and Ricky Bhui, but their time at the crease was cut short as both batsmen were dismissed in quick succession, leaving South Zone struggling at 154-6. Washington Sundar and Vijaykumar Vyshak managed to add some crucial runs, but South Zone were eventually restricted to 230 runs.
Dharmendrasinh Jadeja displayed exceptional skill as he dismantled the South Zone batting lineup, claiming his first five-wicket haul of the tournament. Atit Sheth also played a crucial role by taking 2 wickets for 38 runs in 12 overs, including the important dismissal of Sachin Baby.
In response, West Zone skipper Priyank Panchal showcased his leadership skills and scored an unbeaten 92 runs off 205 deliveries, holding the innings together. Despite losing early wickets, Panchal ensured that the scoreboard kept ticking. Sarfaraz Khan provided valuable support with his knock of 48 runs off 76 balls before being bowled by Sai Kishore.
At the end of day four, West Zone finished at 182-5, trailing by 116 runs with 5 wickets in hand. Vasuki Koushik was the standout bowler for South Zone, picking up 3 wickets for just 28 runs.
In terms of individual performances, Prabhsimran Singh continues to lead the runs table with an impressive tally of 202 runs at an average of 50.5. Unfortunately, with the elimination of North Zone, he will not participate further in the tournament.
Nishant Sindhu from North Zone holds the second position with 195 runs, including a magnificent score of 150. Similarly, Mayank Agarwal has surpassed Harshit Rana to claim the third spot, accumulating 193 runs with two half-centuries to his name. Harshit Rana slipped to fourth place with 191 runs, including an unbeaten knock of 122.
Cheteshwar Pujara, who could only manage 9 runs on day four, occupies the fifth position with 170 runs and an average of 56.66. Pujara has been exceptional, scoring a century in this competition.
In the bowling department, Saurabh Kumar remains at the top of the wickets chart, having taken an impressive 16 wickets throughout the tournament with an average of approximately 16.12. His best bowling figures of 11/110 are still unmatched in the competition.
Vidwath Kaverappa from South Zone retains the second spot, even after day four, with his devastating spell of 7/53 against West Zone. Kaverappa has taken two five-wicket hauls and boasts an impressive average of just 9.14.
Arzan Nagwaswalla holds the third position with 10 wickets at an average of 20.1, including a single five-wicket haul. Shivam Mavi from the Central Zone remains in fourth place with nine wickets to his name, registering his best figures of 6/44 on the second day of the Duleep Trophy final.
Vijaykumar Vyshak has secured the fifth spot, also with nine wickets and an average of 17.88, including a solitary five-wicket haul.
The Duleep Trophy Final has provided some breathtaking performances, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion. With Prabhsimran Singh and Saurabh Kumar leading the way in the runs and wickets charts respectively, fans can eagerly anticipate the final outcomes of this highly anticipated tournament.