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Duleep Trophy 2026: North Zone produced a stunning comeback to defeat West Zone by 52 runs and secure their place in the semi-finals. The standout performer was Abid Mushtaq, whose sensational nine-wicket match haul completely changed the course of the contest.
The Jammu & Kashmir all-rounder first picked up five wickets in the opening innings and then added four more in the second. His nine-wicket performance earned him the Player of the Match award and made him the biggest difference between the two sides.
Who Is Abid Mushtaq? Know About North Zone's Match-Winning Spinner
Abid Mushtaq is a 29-year-old cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir, born on January 17, 1997, in Doda. He is a left-handed batter and bowls Slow Left-arm Orthodox spin.
Mushtaq has built a reputation in domestic cricket as a player capable of contributing with both bat and ball. His left-arm spin becomes particularly dangerous when the pitch offers turn and uneven bounce.
His performance against West Zone was a perfect example of his ability to make an impact when his team needed it most.
Abid Mushtaq's 9-Wicket Haul Steals the Show in Duleep Trophy
Mushtaq was outstanding from the beginning of the match. He claimed five wickets in West Zone's first innings, putting North Zone in a strong position.
He then returned in the second innings and picked up another four wickets. His match figures of nine wickets proved crucial as North Zone successfully defended a target of 287 runs.
The performance also earned Mushtaq the Player of the Match award.
How Abid Mushtaq Turned the Match Against West Zone
West Zone looked to be in control during their chase of 287 runs. At one stage, they were 195/3, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Musheer Khan putting together a crucial 111-run partnership.
Gaikwad scored 66 runs from 70 balls, while Musheer Khan made 96 and narrowly missed out on a century.
However, Gaikwad's run-out proved to be the turning point. West Zone lost four wickets within just seven overs after his dismissal and managed to add only 25 runs.
North Zone suddenly gained complete control of the contest.
Ruturaj Gaikwad's Run-Out Became the Turning Point
The partnership between Gaikwad and Musheer had put West Zone in a commanding position. With the score at 195/3, the target of 287 appeared well within reach.
But Gaikwad's unexpected run-out triggered a dramatic collapse. The pressure immediately shifted onto West Zone's middle and lower order, which struggled against North Zone's spinners.
By the end of the third day, West Zone had slipped to 220/7, leaving North Zone just three wickets away from victory.
Abid Mushtaq Completes West Zone's Collapse on Final Day
West Zone began the final day needing 67 runs with three wickets remaining. Urvil Patel was unbeaten on 25, while experienced all-rounder Tanush Kotian was yet to open his account.
Mushtaq wasted little time in making an impact. He dismissed Kotian early in the morning before removing Tushar Deshpande, bringing North Zone closer to victory.
Urvil Patel was eventually dismissed LBW by Nishant Sindhu, ending West Zone's innings at 234.
The remaining three wickets fell in just 6.3 overs, as North Zone completed a 52-run victory.
Abid Mushtaq Bowling Stats: 9 Wickets That Sealed North Zone's Win
- First innings: 5 wickets
- Second innings: 4 wickets
- Total: 9 wickets
- Award: Player of the Match
- Bowling style: Slow Left-arm Orthodox
His ability to strike at crucial moments prevented West Zone from completing what initially looked like a manageable chase.
Why Abid Mushtaq Was Too Hot to Handle for West Zone Batters
The pitch became increasingly challenging for batting as the match progressed. The ball stayed low at times, while the surface also provided assistance to the spinners.
Mushtaq used these conditions effectively, mixing his pace and exploiting the rough areas of the pitch. His accuracy kept the West Zone batters under constant pressure.
Alongside Nishant Sindhu, he wrapped up the West Zone innings quickly on the final morning.
North Zone Enter Duleep Trophy Semi-Final After 52-Run Victory
The victory over West Zone has taken North Zone into the Duleep Trophy 2026 semi-finals. They will now face South Zone in the last-four clash.
The other semi-final will see East Zone take on Central Zone, with both semi-finals scheduled to begin on August 30.
Abid Mushtaq's Next Challenge: South Zone in Semi-Final
After producing a nine-wicket match-winning performance against West Zone, Abid Mushtaq will be one of North Zone's key players heading into the semi-final.
His ability to take wickets in crucial phases could once again prove decisive. North Zone will hope their left-arm spinner can carry this momentum into the knockout stage and help the team move one step closer to the Duleep Trophy title.
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