South Zone beat East Zone by 45 runs in Deodhar Trophy 2023 Final

The South Zone team won the trophy on Deodhar Thursday, August 3, after defeating East Zone by 45 runs in the Puducherry final, extending their winning run to six games in the 2023 competition.

With half-centuries from captain Mayank Agarwal and N Jagadeesan, along with Rohan Kunnummal of Kerala scoring a blistering 75 off of 75 balls, including 11 fours and 4 sixes, to lead South Zone to a commanding 328/8. East Zone was bowled out for 283 after losing early wickets and failing to bounce back despite a valiant 95 off 65 from Riyan Parag. Following the pacers' initial damage, Washington Sundar grabbed control after taking three wickets.

When South Zone decided to bat, Kunnummal and Agarwal gave them a strong foundation. Together, the duo put up a 181-run partnership for the first wicket in just 25 overs. Of the two, Kunnummal was the more aggressive striker with a 142.67 average, while Agarwal was content to take the supporting position with a 63 off an 83. Once East Zone retaliated with quick wickets, 181/0 became 212/3. The openers were dismissed by Utkarsh Singh, while Sai Sudharsan, the South Zone's centurion from the previous game, was dismissed for just 19.

Riyan Parag's effort goes in vain

Following a 44-run partnership between Jagadeesan and Rohit Rayudu, South Zone fell to 268/6 in the 44th over as East Zone steadily picked up wickets. However, South Zone was able to surpass 300 thanks to Jagadeesan's presence till the last over, and R Sai Kishore finished the innings with an undefeated 24 off 19.

Vasuki Koushik made sure that East Zone's pursuit did not get off to the ideal start by taking the wickets of Virat Singh and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Meanwhile, teammate Vidhwath Kaverappa dismissed Utkarsh Singh for a cheap price, leaving them at 14/3 in five overs.

However, Sundar's blows turned the tide in the South Zone's favour when he removed Parag before he reached three figures and then removed Kushagra, who was bowled out for 68. The lower order of East Zone had a lot to do and came up well short, with Vyshak Vijaykumar taking a few wickets as well, with 70 needed off the final eight overs. In the 47th over, Kaverappa claimed the final wicket to end the chase.