The second-last day of the Duleep Trophy 2025 final saw South Zone giving it a tough fight, but the game is strongly tilted in Central Zone's favor. South Zone were bowled out for 426 in their second innings at stumps on Day 4, leaving Central Zone with a target of 65 runs to win. Central looks all set to win the title with just one session remaining to be played on the last day. 

Overnight batters were helpless against the onslaught of Central, with wickets falling at regular intervals. It seemed like the match would not survive till tea at 222/6. But C. Andre Siddarth and Ankit Sharma put up a good fight. Both combined to weave a fantastic partnership. 

Whereas Siddarth held the innings together, Ankit took on the role of an aggressor. The duo produced a 192-run partnership for the seventh wicket against the spin pair of Saransh Jain and Kumar Kartikeya, who had ruled the earlier stages. 

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Lunch witnessed South reach 249/6, and during tea, the alliance crossed 150. Yet, Ankit short of a century, he was caught on 99 by Kartikeya in attempting a big hit. Siddarth remained at the other end, remaining unbeaten on 84. Their alliance provided South with a decent total of 426 as well as a push towards the final day. 

For Central Zone, Kartikeya (4/110) and Saransh Jain (3/130) finally caused maximum damage and Deepak Chahar and Kuldeep Sen contributed with key breakthroughs. Even with the marathon stand, Central were always in control thanks to their first-innings lead of 362 runs. 

Central will be pleased with the way they have performed during the four days and will look to seal the deal on the last day of the match. If the team is able to win, this would be their sixth Duleep Trophy title since the tournament began in 1961-62.