Danish Malewar scripted history 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 by captain Rajat Patidar, who hit a rapid 125 off just 96 balls, and opener Aryan Juyal, who contributed 60 before retiring hurt.
Extension of blockbuster Ranji Trophy season
Malewar’s remarkable season in the 2024 Ranji Trophy was defined by 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 |
