East Zone wins the Duleep Trophy after their first-innings lead proves decisive, even though the match ends in a draw. The East team takes the trophy based on a 372-run advantage on first innings, reaching the title during their contest against South Zone in Chennai.
The different reports note the size of East’s first-innings total as the key factor. One outlet cites East scoring 708 runs in their first innings, while another focuses on the 372-run margin that gives them the trophy under the tournament rules. The Hindu and NDTV describe this as East ending a 13-year wait for the Duleep Trophy, and NDTV adds that it is East’s third title.
Across coverage, there is agreement that the final result hinges on first-innings performance rather than an outright win in the match. The draw remains the official match outcome, but East is declared champions because of their cushion from the first innings.
