Vijay Hazare Trophy: Dhruv Jurel Powers Uttar Pradesh to 7th Consecutive Victory
Young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel produced a sensational response to the disappointment of missing out on India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad, smashing a magnificent unbeaten 160 to guide Uttar Pradesh to a commanding 54-run victory over Baroda in a Vijay Hazare Trophy Group B clash in Rajkot on Monday.
The emphatic win marked Uttar Pradesh’s seventh consecutive victory, securing them a quarterfinal berth and placing them firmly at the top of Group B with 12 points from three matches.
Jurel Turns Setback into Statement
Just a week after being overlooked for the T20 World Cup at home, Jurel walked out with a point to prove—and delivered one of the finest individual innings of the tournament. He arrived at the crease following the dismissal of opener Aryan Juyal (26), with Uttar Pradesh at a slightly delicate position.
What followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
Batting through the innings, Jurel struck 160 not out off 101 deliveries, lacing his knock with:
15 boundaries
8 towering sixes
Despite the explosive scoring rate, Jurel never appeared rushed. His shot selection against both pace and spin reflected maturity well beyond his years, as he manipulated gaps, rotated strike smartly, and punished anything loose.
Crucial Partnerships Build a Mammoth Total
Uttar Pradesh were 92 for 3 in the 19th over when Jurel took charge. His first major partnership came with India T20I regular Rinku Singh, with the pair adding 131 runs for the fourth wicket.
Rinku, uncharacteristically subdued by his standards, scored 63 off 67 balls, playing the perfect supporting role. While Jurel dominated the strike, Rinku ensured stability and prevented any collapse.
After Rinku’s dismissal, Jurel found another reliable partner in Prashant Veer (35). The duo stitched together a rapid 122-run stand for the sixth wicket, propelling Uttar Pradesh to a massive 369 for 7—a total that effectively put the contest beyond Baroda’s reach.
Baroda’s Bowlers Struggle for Control
Baroda’s bowling attack found little answer to Uttar Pradesh’s relentless batting. Right-arm pacer Rasikh Dar endured a tough day, conceding 102 runs in his 10 overs as Jurel repeatedly pierced the field and cleared the ropes.
Young seamer Raj Limbani was the standout performer for Baroda, returning figures of 4 for 74. While he provided brief resistance, the damage inflicted by UP’s middle order proved too severe to recover from.
Baroda’s Chase: Hope, Then Collapse
In reply, Baroda began their chase positively. Openers Shashwat Rawat (60) and Shivalik Sharma (30) gave them early momentum. However, the quick dismissals of Jitesh Sharma and Priyanshu Moliya stalled the chase.
Uttar Pradesh’s bowlers maintained pressure through the middle overs, with Sameer Rizvi and the spinners chipping away regularly.
Baroda captain Krunal Pandya mounted a brave resistance, scoring a fluent 82 off 77 balls to keep faint hopes alive. However, once he fell in the 43rd over, the chase lost direction. Baroda were eventually dismissed for 315 on the final ball, falling 54 runs short.
Group B Standings Heat Up
With three wins on the trot, Uttar Pradesh now sit comfortably atop Group B. Behind them, Jammu & Kashmir, Vidarbha, Baroda, and Bengal are all locked on eight points, setting up an intense battle for the remaining knockout spots.
Elsewhere: Vidarbha and Bengal Register Big Wins
Vidarbha chased down 312 against Jammu & Kashmir with ease, thanks to centuries from Aman Mokhade (139) and Ravikumar Samarth (114).
Meanwhile, Bengal overcame Chandigarh despite a brilliant 122 from Manan Vohra, with Abishek Porel scoring 106 to seal a six-wicket win with 14 balls remaining.
What This Means Going Forward
Dhruv Jurel’s innings was not just about numbers—it was a statement of intent. His temperament, adaptability, and ability to rise under pressure further strengthen his case as one of India’s most promising wicketkeeper-batters.
For Uttar Pradesh, the perfect run into the quarterfinals makes them one of the strongest contenders for the title, with form and momentum firmly on their side.
Conclusion
Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 160 was the defining moment of Uttar Pradesh’s dominant victory over Baroda. Turning disappointment into inspiration, he delivered an innings of authority and class that will be remembered as one of the highlights of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26.
Written By The Cricket Show:
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