Duleep Trophy Final: Priyank Panchal leads West Zone’s fightback against South Zone on Day 4

Priyank Panchal. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The Day 4 of the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2023 final between South Zone and West Zone was full of ups and downs. With the match still hanging in the balance, either of the sides could go on to win it. However, it could be interesting to see whether West Zone is able to win the title yet again or if South Zone can seek redemption this time around.

The second-last day of the summit clash began with West Zone aiming to bundle out South Zone for a reasonable total in the second innings, and they did just that as South Zone managed to notch up 230 runs on the board in the second innings, setting a target of 298 runs to chase down for West Zone.

The side got off to a horrid start to the run chase as Prithvi Shaw was sent packing quite early on for just seven runs. As morale was struck quite early, opener Priyank Panchal came through like a ray of hope. Playing a brilliant knock, Panchal ensured that West Zone stayed in the game and had a reasonable total to chase down on Day 5.

Panchal led from the front in the West Zone’s fightback in Duleep Trophy Final

By the time stumps were called on Day 4, the West Zone skipper, Priyank Panchal, scored an unbeaten 92 runs in 205 deliveries. The entire team will be depending on his services to take them home as the final day of the game approaches. Apart from Panchal, Sarfaraz Khan looked to be in the flow as well, as he amassed 48 runs in 76 balls before he was dismissed by Sai Kishore.

At stumps on Day 4, West Zone found themselves at a score of 182 runs with the loss of five wickets. With 116 runs required on the final day, it will be interesting to see whether Priyank Panchal is able to propel his side to a brilliant win. On the other hand, South Zone will be in desperate search of those remaining five wickets that would hand them the title.