West Zone may have virtually sealed the Duleep Trophy in their favour by notching up 526 in the first two days, but overnight rain further confirmed their imminent victorious status.

Play could begin only at 4:35 p.m. due to the wet conditions, and inexplicably, West Zone chose to play 10 minutes and two overs before declaring on 529 for six, a mammoth total by any standards, but a particularly important one considering that West merely need to draw this match to win the tournament.

East Zone played four overs before the close of play, but Parag Das retired hurt after 3.2 overs. East reached three for no loss, with Debang Gandhi unbeaten on two and Rashmi Ranjan Parida yet to score.

Except for academic purposes, this match is over. The fourth day may provide an opportunity for some individuals to shine, but West Zone's celebrations may as well start tonight.

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