Silent Duel in Rajkot Decides Quarterfinal Fate
In a dramatic conclusion to the Vijay Hazare Trophy group stage, two matches played 30 kilometers apart in Rajkot on Thursday decided a single knockout spot. For Vidarbha, batting at the Sanosara Cricket Ground 'A', the task was clear: secure a victory, and a convincing one. Simultaneously, at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Baroda faced an even steeper challenge—they needed to win and do so by a margin large enough to overhaul the net run rate equation.
As both teams batted first, eyes constantly darted between the live action and scoreboards updating from the other venue. In a remarkable coincidence, both Vidarbha and Baroda crossed the 300-run mark and defeated their opponents. However, when the final calculations were done, it was Vidarbha who advanced, level with Baroda on 20 points but propelled forward by a superior Net Run Rate (NRR) of 1.26 against Baroda's 0.712.
Vidarbha's Emphatic Batting Display
Vidarbha's innings against Assam began shakily with the early dismissal of tournament top-scorer Aman Mokhade. Stability was restored through a solid 95-run partnership between Atharva Taide, who scored a fluent 80 off 88 balls, and Dhruv Shorey (40). The middle order stuttered briefly, but R Samarth played a match-defining knock. The left-hander launched a fierce counter-attack, remaining unbeaten on a brilliant 94 from just 76 deliveries.
With aggressive support from Yash Kadam (41 off 38) and Nachiket Bhute (33 off 15), Vidarbha plundered 156 runs in the final 17 overs to post a formidable total of 308 for 7 in their 50 overs.
Bowlers Seal Commanding Victory
Assam's chase never gained momentum. Despite a fighting, unbeaten 80 from captain Sumit Ghadigaonkar, wickets fell regularly at the other end. Vidarbha's bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with Parth Rekhade claiming four wickets for 45 runs. Assam were bundled out for 148 in just 35 overs, handing Vidarbha a massive 160-run victory.
This comprehensive win ensured their NRR stayed comfortably ahead of Baroda's, who also won their match but fell short on the crucial run rate calculus.
Vidarbha now advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face Delhi in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Brief Scores: Vidarbha 308/7 in 50 overs (R Samarth 94*, Atharva Taide 80; Akash Sengupta 3-77) beat Assam 148 in 35 overs (Sumit Ghadigaonkar 80*; Parth Rekhade 4-45) by 160 runs.
Wasim Jaffer Joins as U-14 Batting Consultant
In related news, former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has been appointed as the batting consultant for the Vidarbha Under-14 boys' team. The squad, led by Amey Phad with Virat Bhoyar as vice-captain, will compete in the Raj Singh Dungarpur Trophy (Central Zone) in Indore from January 15. Former left-arm pacer Ravi Thakur will coach the 17-member team.
