History Made! Vidarbha Win Their First-Ever Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
Vidarbha etched their name into Indian domestic cricket history by winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26 for the first time, defeating Saurashtra by 38 runs in a thrilling final at Bengaluru. The landmark triumph crowned a remarkable season for Vidarbha and marked their arrival as a dominant force in Indian white-ball cricket.
In a high-pressure contest, Atharva Taide delivered the performance of his career, scoring a magnificent century to guide Vidarbha to a competitive total before the bowlers sealed a memorable victory.
Taide’s Masterclass Sets the Platform
Saurashtra won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to exploit early conditions in the final. However, Vidarbha’s openers, Atharva Taide and Aman Mokhade, quickly seized control of the innings. The pair added a solid 80-run opening partnership, laying a strong foundation in a match where early nerves were inevitable.
After Mokhade departed for 33, Taide took full responsibility for anchoring the innings. He found a dependable partner in Yash Rathod, and the duo stitched together a vital 133-run partnership that effectively decided the course of the match. While Taide played the aggressor’s role, Rathod provided stability, ensuring Vidarbha maintained momentum without taking unnecessary risks.
Taide’s 128 off 118 balls was an innings of maturity and authority. He struck 15 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 108.47, displaying a perfect balance between classical stroke play and calculated aggression. His ability to rotate strike and punish loose deliveries kept the scoreboard ticking throughout.
Rathod’s 54 was equally important, as it allowed Taide to build the innings without pressure. Apart from these key contributions, Vidarbha did not receive much support from the lower order.
For Saurashtra, Ankur Panwar stood out with the ball, picking up four wickets and preventing Vidarbha from completely running away with the game. Despite his efforts, Vidarbha finished strongly on 317 for 8 — a challenging total in a final.
Early Collapse Derails Saurashtra’s Chase
Chasing 318 in a title match was always going to test Saurashtra’s temperament, and their task became even harder after a disastrous start. They lost two wickets for just 30 runs, allowing Vidarbha to seize early momentum and place immediate pressure on the chasing side.
The early breakthroughs forced Saurashtra to rebuild cautiously, but the required run rate kept climbing steadily.
Mankad and Jani Offer Brief Hope
Prerak Mankad produced a brave knock in an attempt to rescue Saurashtra from a precarious position. Alongside Chirag Jani, he stitched together a crucial 93-run partnership that briefly revived hopes of a comeback.
Mankad played with composure and intent, scoring 88 off 92 balls, while Jani added a fluent 64 off 63 deliveries. Their partnership reduced the pressure and momentarily swung the momentum in Saurashtra’s favour.
However, once both batters were dismissed in quick succession, the chase lost its direction. With the lower order exposed and the asking rate soaring, Saurashtra were left with too much to do in the final overs.
Vidarbha Bowlers Deliver Under Pressure
Vidarbha’s bowling attack rose to the occasion in the decisive phase of the match. Yash Thakur led the charge with an excellent spell of 4 for 50, striking at key moments to dismantle Saurashtra’s middle and lower order.
Nachiket Bhute provided strong support, picking up three wickets and ensuring there was no late resurgence. The disciplined bowling effort eventually saw Saurashtra bowled out for 279 in 48.5 overs, sealing a 38-run victory for Vidarbha.
Individual Honours and a Historic Triumph
Atharva Taide was named Player of the Match for his outstanding century in the final, a knock that defined Vidarbha’s historic triumph.
Aman Mokhade was adjudged Player of the Tournament after a sensational campaign with the bat. He finished with 814 runs in 10 innings at an extraordinary average of 90.44, including five centuries and one fifty — a performance that underlined Vidarbha’s dominance throughout the season.
A Landmark Moment for Vidarbha Cricket
Vidarbha’s maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy title is a defining milestone for the team. Known in recent years for their red-ball success, Vidarbha have now firmly established themselves as a powerful unit in white-ball cricket as well.
The 2025/26 season will be remembered as the year Vidarbha finally conquered the List A stage, combining consistency, temperament, and big-match performances to script a historic championship win.
Written By The Cricket Show:
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