Rajat Patidar Takes Brilliant Running Catch to Dismiss Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Duleep Trophy 2026

Rajat Patidar, captain of the defending champions Central Zone, has once again proven his all-round value, pulling off a breathtaking backward-running catch to dismiss East Zone's promising young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in a crucial Duleep Trophy 2026 semi-final clash today. The spectacular effort, which took place at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, came at a pivotal moment, halting Sooryavanshi's dangerous innings and providing Central Zone with a significant breakthrough in their quest for a spot in the final. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Becomes Youngest to Score Half-Century in Duleep Trophy History.

 Rajat Patidar's Diving Effort Changes Momentum

The incident unfolded on the final delivery of the 14th over of East Zone's second innings, with Sooryavanshi attempting to clear the ropes off the bowling of Yash Thakur. The shot, intended for a maximum, lacked the desired distance but gained considerable height. Patidar, positioned inside the 30-yard circle, sprinted backwards with full commitment, keeping his eyes firmly on the ball. He completed a sensational tumbling catch at deep mid-wicket, falling hard to the ground in the process but holding on cleanly.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old vice-captain of East Zone, had been in aggressive form, threatening to take the game away from Central Zone. His dismissal for a well-made 40 runs off 42 deliveries, which included three fours and two sixes, was a major blow to East Zone who are chasing a target of 159 runs.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Impactful Performance

Despite the unfortunate end to his second innings, Sooryavanshi had already left a significant mark on the semi-final. In the first innings, the teenage sensation notched up an explosive 92 runs off just 81 balls, demonstrating why he is considered one of the brightest young talents in Indian domestic cricket. He holds the record for the youngest batter to score a fifty in Duleep Trophy history, achieving this at 15 years and 157 days. Central Zone vs East Zone, Live Streaming Online and Free Telecast, Duleep Trophy 2026 SF.

Central Zone, led by Patidar, entered this semi-final as the defending Duleep Trophy champions, having clinched the 2025-26 title. Patidar himself was the leading run-scorer in the previous edition, accumulating 382 runs from just five innings at an impressive average of 76.40. His leadership and electric fielding continue to be crucial assets for his team as they eye back-to-back titles. This sensational catch not only provided a vital wicket but also showcased the high standards of fielding expected at this level of first-class cricket, potentially swinging the momentum firmly in Central Zone's favour.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 01, 2026 04:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).