East Zone 467 (Shahbaz 167, Gharami 146, Jotin 3-64, Choudhary 3-102) beat North East Zone 111 (Bhatewara 32, Sarkar 5-20, Shahbaz 3-20) and 146 (Jotin 39, Roy 5-37) by an innings and 210 runs
The one time North East Zone had any footing within the sport was on the opening morning once they had East Zone at 25 for two after which at 128 for five, however they could not sustain the great work. East, using on Shahbaz and Gharami’s centuries, notched up 467. In reply, North East slid from 78 for 3 to 111 all out with medium-pacer Sarkar selecting up 5 for 20.
After a short partnership, Joseph Lalthankhuma was nabbed by Shahbaz, who continued from his first-innings exploits the place he had picked up 3 for 20. Captain Rongsen Jonathan was then caught behind neatly by Ishan Kishan, whereas Kangabam Priyojit fell to Roy because of catch by Virat Singh.
Roy, who managed only a wicket within the first innings, was nearly unplayable at occasions on the third day. Working primarily from the around-the-wicket angle, he saved the wicket-to-wicket line going, and matched together with his arm ball and delicate modifications in tempo, chugged away.
East Zone will meet Central Zone, the winners of final season’s Duleep Trophy, within the semi-final, which begins on August 30.