North Zone emerged victorious against West Zone by 37 runs in the final of the 54th All India FCI Inter Zonal Cricket Tournament 2025, held on August 5, 2025, at the GVS Club Ground in Salem, Tamil Nadu. The standout player was Swastik Chhikara, who had been part of the RCB squad in the 2025 IPL season but didn’t get a chance to play. He made a statement with an explosive innings in this match.
Chhikara’s blistering century
West Zone’s choice to bowl first after winning the toss backfired spectacularly. North Zone, batting first, amassed 197 runs in 20 overs. Chhikara’s batting was a spectacle to behold. He opened the innings and remained unbeaten, scoring 114 runs off just 68 deliveries. His innings was highlighted by 11 towering sixes and a single boundary, leading to a strike rate of 167.6.
Chhikara’s performance put his team in a commanding position in the first innings. He was the cornerstone of North Zone’s innings, finishing not out as the team reached 197/2. Nitin Saini also contributed significantly with a score of 55 runs, featuring 7 fours in 37 balls and a strike rate of 148.6. The two batsmen forged a century partnership for the opening wicket.
Bowling performance
Chhikara also made a valuable contribution with the ball. He took 2 wickets in 4 overs. Despite conceding 50 runs, West Zone was eventually bowled out for 160 runs in 18.3 overs.