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North Zone will face South Zone in the second semi-final of the Duleep Trophy 2026-27 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 in Bengaluru from August 30. North Zone booked their place in the last four after edging past West Zone by 52 runs in a closely fought quarter-final, while South Zone received a direct entry into the semi-finals.
Led by wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan, North Zone have a well-balanced squad featuring several promising domestic cricketers. Ayush Badoni has been named vice-captain, while the likes of Yash Dhull, Abdul Samad, Nishant Sindhu, Abid Mushtaq, Anshul Kamboj and Arshdeep Singh provide plenty of quality across departments.
The quarter-final victory over West Zone also highlighted North Zone’s ability to perform under pressure. Left-arm spinners Abid Mushtaq and Nishant Sindhu played a crucial role in wrapping up West Zone’s tail on the fourth morning, completing a 52-run victory.
With a place in the final at stake, North Zone are expected to field a combination that provides sufficient batting depth while retaining their successful spin-heavy bowling attack.
Here is the predicted playing XI of North Zone for the Duleep Trophy 2026 semi-final against South Zone:
Kanhaiya Wadhawan is expected to open the innings and continue as captain and wicketkeeper.
The Jammu & Kashmir batter has been entrusted with leading a talented North Zone squad and will have an important role at the top of the order. His ability to spend time at the crease will be crucial against South Zone’s experienced attack.
Behind the stumps, Wadhawan will also have to remain alert, particularly with North likely to rely heavily on Abid Mushtaq and Nishant Sindhu.
Ayush Badoni should partner Wadhawan at the top.
The Delhi all-rounder is North Zone’s vice-captain and one of their most versatile players. While he has gained considerable recognition for his white-ball exploits, the semi-final provides him with an opportunity to make a significant impact in red-ball cricket.
Badoni’s ability to combine patience with attacking strokeplay makes him an ideal partner for Wadhawan.
Yash Dhull is likely to occupy the No. 3 position.
The former India U-19 World Cup-winning captain has considerable experience in domestic cricket and remains one of Delhi’s promising top-order batters.
His primary responsibility will be to consolidate the innings if North lose an early wicket. South Zone have quality bowlers such as Vidhwath Kaverappa and MD Nidheesh, making Dhull’s ability to negotiate the new ball particularly important.
Qamran Iqbal could bat at No. 4.
The Jammu & Kashmir batter has been part of the state’s domestic setup for several seasons and provides North with another technically sound option in the middle order.
Against South Zone, Iqbal could be tasked with building a substantial partnership with Dhull or Badoni before the side’s more aggressive players arrive.
Abdul Samad is expected to slot in at No. 5.
The Jammu & Kashmir all-rounder is best known for his explosive batting, but his inclusion also gives North Zone additional flexibility. He can shift gears quickly and provide momentum once the ball becomes older.
His ability to contribute with the ball could also provide captain Wadhawan with an extra option if required.
Sanat Sangwan is likely to feature in the middle order.
The Delhi batter adds stability to the lineup and can play the supporting role around more aggressive players such as Badoni and Samad.
A long innings from Sangwan could prove valuable if South Zone’s seamers make early inroads. His ability to occupy the crease will allow North’s lower order to play more freely later in the innings.
Nishant Sindhu should be one of North Zone’s most important all-rounders.
The Haryana youngster bowls left-arm orthodox spin and can contribute valuable runs in the lower middle order. His ability to influence both innings makes him a key component of the XI.
Sindhu was instrumental in the quarter-final victory over West Zone, helping Abid Mushtaq finish the job on the fourth morning. The pair’s success with the ball could encourage North to continue with the same combination.
Abid Mushtaq is likely to retain his place as the lead spinner.
The Jammu & Kashmir all-rounder was one of North Zone’s heroes in their quarter-final victory. His left-arm spin proved extremely effective on the Bengaluru surface, particularly when West Zone’s lower order was attempting to chase down the target.
His ability to contribute runs down the order gives North additional depth.
Anshul Kamboj should spearhead the pace attack.
The Haryana all-rounder has already made his mark in domestic cricket and offers North a genuine seam-bowling option. His ability to extract bounce and maintain disciplined lines will be important against South Zone’s technically strong batting lineup.
Kamboj could also provide useful runs if the top order fails.
Arshdeep Singh is expected to lead the new-ball attack.
The Punjab left-arm seamer is arguably North Zone’s biggest threat with the ball. His ability to swing the new ball and attack the stumps can make life difficult for South Zone’s top order.
The presence of Arshdeep gives North a quality international-level option who can strike early and put pressure on the opposition.
Yudhvir Singh could complete the XI as the second specialist seamer.
The Jammu & Kashmir pacer provides pace and aggression and can complement Arshdeep effectively. His ability to attack with the new ball while returning for shorter spells later in the innings gives Wadhawan another useful option.
However, it is worth noting that the BCCI squad announcement stated that Sahil Lotra replaced Yudhvir Singh in the North Zone squad. Therefore, if Yudhvir remains unavailable, Sahil Lotra could take his place in the final XI.
Kanhaiya Wadhawan (C & WK), Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhull, Qamran Iqbal, Abdul Samad, Sanat Sangwan, Nishant Sindhu, Abid Mushtaq, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh, Sahil Lotra
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