Smaran Ravichandran produced a superb reflex catch to dismiss North Zone batter Abdul Samad on Day 1 of the second semi-final of the Duleep Trophy 2026. Representing South Zone, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) youngster showed excellent reflexes at first slip to complete the catch after the ball initially appeared to have slipped from his grasp. The dismissal came during the 25th over of North Zone’s innings at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 in Bengaluru, with Shreyas Gopal creating the opportunity with his bowling.

Abdul Samad falls after brief stay at crease

North Zone captain Kanhaiya Wadhawan won the toss and elected to bat first, but his side lost wickets at regular intervals. Qamran Iqbal and Sanat Sangwan put together 18 runs for the opening wicket before Sangwan departed for 10. Iqbal then combined with Ayush Doseja to add 53 runs for the second wicket.

Doseja scored 23 before being dismissed by Kavuri Saiteja, while Ayush Badoni fell for just two after Tanay Thyagarajan provided South Zone with another breakthrough. Samad walked in with North Zone under pressure but could not stay at the crease for long. He scored 16 off 19 balls, including two fours and a six, before becoming the fourth batter to depart.

Smaran Ravichandran produces stunning reflex catch to dismiss Samad

The wicket came on the fourth ball of the 25th over when Gopal bowled a full-length delivery outside off. The ball spun away after pitching, prompting Samad to attempt a cut. The shot flew quickly towards Ravichandran at first slip. He immediately stretched out his right hand and got a palm to the ball, but it initially appeared to have slipped out.

Ravichandran reacted quickly and completed the catch with both hands as he fell to the ground. Samad was dismissed for 16 off 19 deliveries, leaving North Zone at 95/4 after 24.4 overs.

Here’s the video:

What. A. Catch 👌

R Smaran pulls off a fantastic catch at slip to dismiss Abdul Samad 🙌

North Zone are 95/4 in the first innings!

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/AGjIStrDAT#DuleepTrophy | #SZvNZ pic.twitter.com/mw4pTkO9z0

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) August 30, 2026

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South Zone gain the upper hand after North Zone are bowled out

North Zone were eventually bowled out for 195 in 59.1 overs, with Qamran providing the backbone of their innings with a patient 76 off 182 balls. Captain Kanhaiya contributed 35, but North Zone lost their final five wickets for just 21 runs. Vidhwath Kaverappa led the South Zone bowling attack with an impressive 4/66, while Tanay and M. D. Nidheesh claimed two wickets each.

South Zone have since begun their reply but also found themselves in trouble. After finishing Day 1 at 40/2, they were reduced to 130/5 by the second session of Day 2 and remained 65 runs behind North Zone. Gurnoor Brar has been the standout bowler for North Zone with 4/43, while Tilak Varma has steadied South Zone’s innings with an unbeaten 28 off 105 balls. He is currently batting alongside Gopal, who has contributed 29, as South Zone look to reduce the deficit and establish a first-innings lead.

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