The semi-final lineup for the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy is complete after Vidarbha and Punjab delivered dominant performances to crush Delhi and Madhya Pradesh, respectively, in Tuesday’s quarterfinals.
Vidarbha’s All-Round Show Stuns Delhi
A disciplined all-round performance from Vidarbha proved too much for a star-studded Delhi side, securing a comprehensive 76-run victory. Batting first at the BCCI’s CoE Ground 2, Vidarbha posted a formidable 300 for 9, built on solid contributions from the top order. Yash Rathod top-scored with a fluent 86, well-supported by Atharva Taide (62) and Dhruv Shorey (49).
Delhi’s chase never gained momentum, derailed early by a double strike from pacer Nachiket Bhute. He removed the dangerous Priyansh Arya (28) and former captain Nitish Rana (0) off consecutive balls in the 9th over. The middle order then crumbled against the left-arm spin of Harsh Dubey (3/41), leaving Delhi reeling at 123 for 5. Wicketkeeper Anuj Rawat fought a lone battle with a patient 66, but his dismissal in the 43rd over sealed Delhi’s fate as they were bowled out for 224.
Punjab’s Batting Blitz Obliterates Madhya Pradesh
In the other quarterfinal, Punjab unleashed a batting masterclass to annihilate Madhya Pradesh by a massive 183 runs. Put in to bat at CoE Ground 1, Punjab’s top order feasted on a placid surface. Prabhsimran Singh led the charge with a blistering 88 off 86 balls, sharing a century stand with Harnoor Singh (51). Anmolpreet Singh (70 off 62) and Nehal Wadhera (56 off 38) then provided the late fireworks, propelling Punjab to an imposing 345 for 6.
Faced with a mammoth chase, Madhya Pradesh’s batting imploded. They lost half their side for just 83 runs inside 20 overs, with captain Venkatesh Iyer falling for a two-ball duck. Rajat Patidar (30) offered brief resistance, but the target was always out of reach as they were bundled out for 162 in the 32nd over, with seamer Sanvir Singh (3/35) being the pick of the bowlers.
Semi-Final Clashes Set
With these results, the final four is confirmed. The semi-finals, to be played on Thursday, promise two intriguing contests:
- Defending champion Karnataka will take on Vidarbha.
- In-form Punjab will battle Saurashtra.
Both matches will be played at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to India’s premier domestic 50-over tournament.
