Ishan Kishan produced a sensational batting performance in the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone, smashing 270 to etch his name in the history of the prestigious domestic tournament.
The East Zone captain became the first batter-wicketkeeper from the region to score a double century in a Duleep Trophy final, underlining his credentials with a sensational knock at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Kishan resumed proceedings on Day 2 unbeaten on 111 and continued his assault on the South Zone bowling attack. He brought up his double century in 270 balls, with 26 fours and two sixes, becoming only the fifth batter to score a double hundred in a Duleep Trophy final.
The left-hander completed the landmark with a boundary off Devdutt Padikkal, driving the ball through the covers. The achievement also made him only the third East Zone batter to register a double century in the Duleep Trophy, joining former India batters Arun Lal and Saba Karim.
Arun Lal had previously registered scores of 287 and 214 for East Zone, while Saba Karim remained unbeaten on 200 in 1995. However, Kishan became the first East Zone batter to reach the 200-run mark in a Duleep Trophy final.
Ishan Kishan's Brilliant Knock
Kishan's innings was built on a combination of aggression and control. He initially took his time before accelerating through the South Zone attack. He reached his half-century in 71 balls before bringing up his century off 122 deliveries.
His partnership with Shikhar Mohan helped East Zone recover from a difficult period at 147/3, while Kishan later combined with Kumar Kushagra for a huge 230-run fifth-wicket partnership. Kushagra also produced an excellent century, scoring 101 off 132 balls.
Kishan eventually moved beyond the 250-run mark, but cramps forced him to retire hurt after scoring 250 off 301 balls, having struck 27 fours and seven sixes at that stage.
He had already helped East Zone cross the 600-run mark and put South Zone under enormous pressure.
ALSO READ: ICC Takes Action Against Pakistan Captain Over 'Send Off' During India Clash At Women's Asia Cup
East Zone Dominate South Zone
Kishan's extraordinary contribution came after East Zone had made a strong start on the opening day. Abhimanyu Easwaran scored 72, while Shikhar Mohan made 85 to provide the foundation for the huge total.
Kumar Kushagra's century and Kishan's marathon innings then transformed East Zone's first innings into a run-scoring exhibition.
East Zone were eventually bowled out for 708 in 163 overs, a total that put them firmly in command of the final.