Prithvi Shaw’s return to the Duleep Trophy got off to a bright start before Abid Mushtaq produced a stunning delivery against North Zone. The West Zone opener looked positive from the beginning and scored 22 runs from 21 balls. He struck four boundaries and appeared ready to make the most of his comeback. Then came a moment of pure quality from Mushtaq. The left-arm spinner pitched the ball around middle and leg before getting it to turn away slightly. Shaw moved forward to defend, but the ball did something he could not expect. It sneaked past his bat and crashed into the off stump. It was the kind of delivery that deserved a wicket. Even Shaw, who had looked comfortable until then, had little answer to it.

The dismissal came in the sixth over, with West Zone struggling at 23/2. The early setback added to the pressure on Shaw, who is trying to rebuild his career through domestic cricket. His return to the West Zone squad was an important opportunity after a difficult period. He moved to Maharashtra last season and enjoyed a strong Ranji Trophy campaign. That form helped earn him a place in this Duleep Trophy side.

North Zone eventually made 251, with Anshul Kamboj and Ayush Badoni scoring fifties. West Zone now have a tough task ahead after losing early wickets.

North Zone in control as West Zone stumble in Duleep Trophy quarter-final Day 1

North Zone finished the opening day of their Duleep Trophy quarter-final against West Zone in a strong position. After winning the toss, North Zone chose to bat first at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. They were reduced to 50/2 before Ayush Badoni and Ayush Doseja steadied the innings. Badoni played a confident knock and brought up his half-century from 57 balls. He scored 51 before being dismissed, while Doseja was dismissed at 42 . Anshul Kamboj then provided the late push with a quick 60 off 52 balls. His aggressive innings included five fours and five sixes. North Zone were eventually bowled out for 251 in 66.5 overs. Tushar Deshpande was West Zone’s standout bowler with three wickets, while Tanush Kotian claimed four.

West Zone’s reply got off to a shaky start. Harvik Desai fell for three before Prithvi Shaw became the second wicket. Shaw looked positive during his short stay and scored 22 from 21 balls. His innings ended with a superb delivery from Abid Mushtaq, who turned the ball away just enough to beat his defence and hit the off stump. West Zone reached 31/2 at stumps, with Musheer Khan unbeaten on six. The team still trail North Zone by 220 runs. With plenty of cricket left, West Zone will need a solid partnership on the second morning.