Deodhar Trophy 2023, July 26 | Preview and Prediction

image-lkhz6kwgVidhwath Kaverappa will be in action for South Zone. [Twitter]

After a remarkable return in four long years, the Deodhar Trophy 2023 action resumes as a total of three matches will take place on the second match day on Wednesday, July 26. Let’s take a quick preview of the three exciting contests ahead.


North Zone vs Central Zone

North Zone and Central Zone will lock horns against each other in one of the two morning games at CAP Ground 2, Puducherry. Both the teams have lost their opening game and will be keen to open their account in this match.

North Zone had a horrible day with the bat while chasing against the South as they were bundled out for just 60, the lowest-ever team total in the tournament’s history. Captain Nitish Rana will be hoping his side will leave behind the result from the first game and build winning momentum from this match.

Meanwhile, Rinku Singh was the only batter who looked comfortable for Central Zone in their defeat against the East. Karn Sharma took three wickets with the ball but proved to be not enough to get his side across the line. 

Central Zone should be the favourites to win this game.

West Zone vs South Zone

West Zone will take on South Zone for another mouthwatering clash, this time in the 50-over format at the CAP Ground 3 in Puducherry. Both teams have won their opening fixture and will be looking to sustain their winning streak in this match.

The Priyank Panchal-led West Zone had a great start to their campaign as they claimed a comprehensive 9-wicket win over the team from Northeast. Skipper himself scored an unbeaten 99 to see his side home after an all-round performance from the bowlers in the first innings.

On the other side, Vidhwath Kaverappa made headlines for South Zone yet again as the Karnataka seamer registered his first five-wicket haul in List-A cricket and helped his side to bowl out North Zone for a record lowest 60-run total.

South Zone got the better of West Zone the last time these two sides met each other during the recently concluded Duleep Trophy final. It looks no different for the 50-over format, as South Zone will once again start as favourites.

East Zone vs Northeast Zone

An embattled Northeast Zone is looking to fight for survival as they square off against the East Zone in the only afternoon game of the day at the Siechem Stadium, Puducherry.

East Zone started their campaign with a win over the Central Zone. Utkarsh Singh was the star with the bat after the bowlers restricted the opposition to a below-par total. On the other side, Northeast Zone had a completely contrasting outcome in their defeat against the West.

East Zone will definitely start this game as favourites considering the current form and the quality they possess on paper. Northeast Zone will have to punch above their weight to produce a result in their favour in this game.