North Zone triumphed over 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 match’s standout performer was Swastik Chhikara, the same player who was on the RCB roster for IPL 2025 but didn’t get a single game. He turned heads with a match-winning performance.
Chhikara’s astonishing century
West Zone’s decision to field after winning the toss backfired. North Zone, batting first, amassed 197 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Chhikara stole the show with his remarkable batting display. Opening the innings, he remained unbeaten with a blistering 114 runs off just 68 balls. His innings included only one boundary but a staggering 11 sixes, resulting in a strike rate of 167.6.
Chhikara’s impactful innings placed his team in a commanding position. He was instrumental in North Zone’s innings, remaining not out and helping the team reach 197/2. Nitin Saini also contributed a valuable 55 runs, hitting 7 fours in 37 balls with a strike rate of 148.6. The duo shared a century partnership for the opening wicket.
Bowling contribution
Chhikara’s impact extended to his bowling performance as well. He took 2 wickets in his 4 overs, though he conceded 50 runs. West Zone was eventually bowled out for 160 runs in 18.3 overs.