East Zone are in a commanding position in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final against South Zone, but with the match entering its final day, one question has become particularly important: what happens if the contest ends without a result?
Ishan Kishan’s side posted a massive 708 in their first innings after winning the toss and choosing to bat at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Kishan produced the defining innings of the match, scoring 270 off 334 balls, with 30 fours and seven sixes. At the latest score, they are 259/6 in 64.5 overs, which gives them an overall lead of 631 runs.
East Zone then strengthened their position further in the second innings. What Happens If The Final Is Drawn? Unlike a conventional league match where a drawn first class game can see the teams share the points, the Duleep Trophy knockout rules provide a different outcome.
This means East Zone already have the crucial advantage after South Zone failed to surpass their 708. Instead, they were bowled out for 336. East Zone entered the final looking for their first Duleep Trophy championship since 2012/13. They had won the competition in 2011/12 and 2012/13, making a victory this year potentially their third title. That result ended East Zone’s 13 year wait for a place in the final. Earlier reporting noted: Kishan, who brought his match tally to a staggering 350 runs, compiled an explosive 80 off 98 balls, laced with nine fours and three sixes, before missing out on a second century in the match. His departure, alongside Mohan’s steady 52 off 85 balls, ensured East Zone closed the day in complete control and virtually sealed the title after consecutive wins in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons. Earlier reporting noted: Hello and welcome to Day 5 – A very warm welcome to cricket fans as we enter the decisive fifth and final day of this grueling red-ball contest. East Zone are sitting comfortably in the driver seat with a mammoth lead of 584 runs, holding every single ace in their hand.
South Zone therefore needed to reach at least 709 in their first innings to move ahead of East Zone and put themselves in a position to benefit from a drawn contest. If the final ends in a draw, the team that holds the first innings lead is declared the winner. Their route to the final included a four wicket victory over defending champions Central Zone in the semifinal. East Zone have the luxury of setting attacking catchers all around the bat from ball one, so the psychological pressure will be relentless. Can South Zone produce a heroic rearguard fight, or will East Zone blow them away to cap off a clinical performance. The morning session gets underway in just a moment.
Earlier reporting noted: An intense battle to conclude the game – The fifth-day track will offer unpredictable bounce and sharp turn from the rough, making every over an absolute trial by fire for the batters. After completely shutting South Zone out of the contest across the last four days, the East side will look to turn their absolute dominance into a memorable victory today.
