Vidarbha finally broke through to claim their maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy title, defeating Saurashtra by 38 runs in a thrilling final at Vadodara. After falling short in the 2024-25 season, Vidarbha’s redemption came through Atharva Taide’s magnificent 128 off 118 balls and Yash Thakur’s clinical bowling spell of 4/50.
Despite Saurashtra’s valiant chase led by Prerak Mankad (88) and Chirag Jani (64), Vidarbha’s combination of imposing total and disciplined fast bowling proved too strong, as they successfully defended their 317-run target to lift the coveted trophy for the first time in their history.
Vidarbha Innings – 317/8 (50 overs)
| Atharva Taide: 128 (118) | Ankur Panwar: 4/65 (10) |
| Yash Rathod: 54 (61) | Chetan Sakariya: 2/45 (10) |
Saurashtra Innings – 279/10 (48.5 overs)
| Prerak Mankad: 88 (92) | Yash Thakur: 4/50 (9.5) |
| Chirag Jani: 64 (63) | Nachiket Bhute: 3/46 (9) |
Vidarbha’s Batting Masterclass
Despite losing key player Dhruv Shorey to back spasms before the match, Vidarbha didn’t let the setback affect their performance. Aman Mokhade and Atharva Taide provided a solid foundation with an 80-run opening partnership before Mokhade departed for 33, falling just 17 runs short of equaling N Jagadeesan’s record for most runs in a Hazare season.
Atharva Taide then took center stage with a breathtaking century, his first List A hundred since 2021. After a cautious start and surviving early scares, including a run-out chance on 8 and a miscue on 30, Taide shifted gears spectacularly. His second fifty came off just 31 deliveries, showcasing his full range of strokes, including a delightful inside-out six over extra cover and a powerful whip over deep square leg.
Yash Rathod played the perfect anchor role at No. 3, contributing a steady 54 off 61 balls that allowed Taide to express himself freely. However, Saurashtra fought back through Ankur Panwar’s 4-wicket haul and Chetan Sakariya’s tight bowling, restricting Vidarbha to just 36 runs in the final five overs.
Saurashtra’s Spirited Chase Falls Short
Chasing 318, Saurashtra lost early wickets with Vishwaraj Jadeja and Harvik Desai departing cheaply. However, Prerak Mankad anchored the innings brilliantly with 88 off 92 balls, forming a crucial 93-run partnership that kept Saurashtra in the hunt. With 127 needed off 15 overs and six wickets in hand, the match hung in the balance.
The turning point came in the 38th over when Vidarbha captain Harsh Dubey trapped Mankad lbw, breaking the dangerous partnership. Chirag Jani then took responsibility, batting sensibly for his 64, but the pressure mounted as wickets fell around him.
The knockout blow came from Darshan Nalkande, whose perfectly executed slower ball deceived Jani into mistiming a lofted shot to long-off. Yash Thakur then sealed the victory by dismissing Jaydev Unadkat and Ruchit Ahir, finishing with impressive figures of 4/50. Nachiket Bhute’s 3/46 earlier in the innings had set the tone for Vidarbha’s bowling dominance.
Result: Vidarbha won by 38 runs and claimed their maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy title
