Duleep Trophy: Vidarbha’s Danish Malewar records hory with double century on debut after Ranji final heroics | Cricket News

Danish Malewar scripted hory on his Duleep Trophy debut for the Central Zone on Friday as he became the first Vidarbha batter to record a double century in the tournament, achieving it in quick time at the start of Day 2’s play against the Northeast Zone in Bengaluru.
After reaching his 200 off only 220 balls with 36 fours and a maximum, Malewar retired out on 203, shortly before he became one of the fastest Indians to reach 1000 runs in First-Class cricket in only 16 innings.
Earlier, Central Zone had finished with a commanding 432 for 2 in 77 overs against North East Zone in Bengaluru, largely thanks to an unbeaten 198 from Malewar at number three. He was well-supported captain Rajat Patidar, who hit a rapid 125 off just 96 balls, and opener Aryan Juyal, who contributed 60 before retiring hurt.
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Extension of blockbuster Ranji Trophy season
Malewar’s remarkable season in the 2024 Ranji Trophy was defined his standout performances on the biggest stages. He first made an impact with scores of 79 and 29 in the semifinal, leading Vidarbha to a crucial 80-run victory over a formidable Mumbai team. However, it was his sensational innings of 153 and 73 in the final against Kerala that truly clinched the title for his side. For a player barely in his twenties, his season total of 783 runs at an average of 52—the third-highest on his team—underscored his incredible temperament and ability to deliver when it mattered most.
Cricket-crazy dad
Malewar’s father, Vishnu, a cricket fan, had decided when he got married that if he had a son, he would make him a cricketer. But being from a lower-middle-class background, Vishnu knew it would be tough.
“My father always wanted me to be a cricketer and I got into an academy when I was seven,. He faced a lot of difficulties but ensured that my cricketing needs were taken care of. There were people who used to give me bats, pads and gloves when I made runs during my junior days. Money only started coming in post my under- 19 days,” Malewar had told The Indian Express.
Danish Malewar scores in First-Class cricket

For
Against
Date
Scores

Vidarbha
Andhra Pradesh
October 11, 2024
8 & 61

Vidarbha
Uttarakhand
October 26, 2024
56 & 42

Vidarbha
Himachal Pradesh
November 6, 2024
59

Vidarbha
Gujarat
November 13, 2024
115

Vidarbha
Rajasthan
January 23, 2025
17

Vidarbha
Hyderabad
January 30, 2025
13 & 3

Vidarbha
Tamil Nadu
February 8, 2025
75 & 0

Vidarbha
Mumbai
February 17, 2025
79 & 29

Vidarbha
Kerala
February 26, 2025
153 & 73

Central Zone
North East Zone
August 28, 2025
202