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Batsmen Dismissed or Unbeaten on 99 in Duleep Trophy: In cricket, getting out on 99 is one of the most heartbreaking moments for any batsman. While a century is just a single run away, the pain of walking back to the pavilion lingers for a lifetime. A similar instance of misfortune occurred during the Duleep Trophy final, when South Zone captain Tilak Varma was dismissed on an individual score of 99.
Tilak Varma Dismissed on 99 in Duleep Trophy Final
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South Zone captain Tilak Varma played a gritty innings for his team. Facing 211 balls, he scored 99 runs, including eight magnificent sixes. However, just as he was on the verge of a century, bowler Mohammad Kaunain Qureshi brought his fine innings to an end by taking a return catch off his own bowling. Tilak's dismissal marked the end of South Zone's first innings at 336 runs.
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List of Batsmen Dismissed or Unbeaten on 99 in Duleep Trophy History
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Tilak Varma has become the fourth batsman in Duleep Trophy history to be dismissed on 99. Over the tournament's long history, a total of five batsmen have reached the score of 99 (either dismissed or unbeaten):
- Sunil Benjamin (Central Zone): 99* vs East Zone, 1972 (The only batsman in Duleep Trophy history to remain unbeaten on 99)
- Mohinder Amarnath (North Zone): 99 vs East Zone, 1975 (The first batsman to be dismissed on 99 in the Duleep Trophy)
- R. B. Bhalekar (West Zone): 99 vs East Zone, 1981
- Ankit Sharma (South Zone): 99 vs Central Zone, Final 2025
- Tilak Varma (South Zone): 99 vs East Zone, Final 2026
East Zone Secures Massive 372-Run First Innings Lead
As for the match, East Zone posted a massive total of 708 runs in their first innings, powered by Ishan Kishan's double century (270 runs). In response, South Zone's first innings ended at 336 runs, giving East Zone a commanding 372-run lead based on the first innings.
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