Mohammed Shami set for 100th first-class match in Duleep Trophy final as East Zone face South Zone in Chennai

Mohammed Shami is set to reach a major milestone when East Zone take on South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai.

The experienced India pacer will play his 100th first-class match, adding another landmark to an already distinguished career. Shami was also instrumental in East Zone's semifinal victory over defending champions Central Zone, taking three wickets in the second innings.

Mukesh Kumar was the standout bowler in that innings with four wickets, as Central were dismissed for 158. East then chased down 159 with four wickets in hand. Shami will now bring his experience into a final featuring several players with international ambitions.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be one of the biggest attractions when East Zone face South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai.

The 15-year-old has already made his presence felt in the tournament, top-scoring for East Zone in their semifinal victory over defending champions Central Zone. Sooryavanshi made 92 in the first innings before adding a quick 40 during East's successful chase.

He will serve as vice-captain under Ishan Kishan in the final, with the team hoping his aggressive approach can provide another spark. East are also chasing their first Duleep Trophy title since the 2012-13 season.

South Zone have received a major boost ahead of the Duleep Trophy final with Mohammed Siraj and Devdutt Padikkal joining the squad after India's recent Test series against Sri Lanka.

Siraj's arrival adds another proven international fast bowler to South's attack, while Padikkal strengthens their batting options. South will be led by Tilak Varma, who arrives in Chennai after a match-winning semifinal against North Zone.

Tilak scored 116 in the first innings and followed it with an unbeaten 51 as South completed a seven-wicket victory. The side are chasing their 13th Duleep Trophy title, with their most recent triumph coming in 2023.

East Zone won the toss and opted to bat first against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The decision gives Ishan Kishan's side the opportunity to put runs on the board and build pressure in the title clash. East are bidding to win their first Duleep Trophy since 2012-13, when they defeated Central Zone in Chennai.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be one of the players to watch after his impressive semifinal performance against Central Zone. The teenager scored 92 in the first innings and followed it up with a quick 40 during the successful chase.