Overview

• South Zone were dismissed for 149 in 63 overs, with Saransh Jain taking 5 for 49 and Kumar Kartikeya 4 for 53.
• Central Zone closed on 50 without loss, with Danish Malewar 28 not out and Akshay Wadkar 20 not out, leaving a 99-run deficit.
• Patidar won the toss and chose to bowl, a decision that capitalized on early turn that blunted any seam impact.
• Kartikeya said Harsh Dubey’s India A call-up opened his spot for the final and he emphasized patience and economy in his spell.
• The five-day final continues at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru with Central holding the early advantage on a spin-friendly surface.