Arshdeep’s 5/34 Lifts Punjab to Group C Top, Pandya’s 133 Falls Short

Arshdeep Singh Shines in Vijay Hazare Trophy Clash
In a thrilling Group C encounter of the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh delivered a standout performance with the ball. He took 5 wickets for just 34 runs in 10 overs, leading Sikkim to an all-out score of 75 runs. Opening batter Prabsimran Singh then played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 53 off 26 balls to guide Punjab to victory in 6.2 overs, securing their position at the top of the group standings based on net run rate.
Arshdeep’s impressive display came on the same day he was named in India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. However, Punjab faced a setback as Shubman Gill was absent due to food poisoning.
Pandya’s Ton Falls Short
Despite a remarkable century from Hardik Pandya, Baroda fell short in their match against Vidarbha in Group B. Pandya scored 133 off 92 balls, including eight fours and 11 sixes, helping Baroda reach 293/9 in 50 overs. However, Vidarbha’s Aman Mokhade outperformed him with an unbeaten 150 off 121 balls. Mokhade and Dhruv Shorey added 169 runs for the second wicket, ensuring Vidarbha’s nine-wicket victory.
Axar Patel’s All-Round Performance
Axar Patel showcased his all-round abilities in Gujarat’s Group D clash against Andhra. He scored 130 off 111 balls, supported by Vishal Jayswal’s 70 off 60 balls, leading Gujarat to a total of 318/9 in 50 overs. In response, CR Gnaneshwar scored 102 off 125 balls, but lack of big partnerships led to Andhra’s downfall. Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel restricted Andhra to 311/7, securing a seven-run win for Gujarat.
Pant Finds Form
On the day he was selected for India’s ODI squad against New Zealand, Rishabh Pant delivered a stunning innings. He scored an unbeaten 67 off 37 balls, helping Delhi defeat Services by eight wickets in the Group D match. Priyansh Arya contributed with an unbeaten 72 off 45 balls, forming a crucial partnership with Pant to chase down the target of 179 runs in 19.2 overs.
Kulkarni Leads Maharashtra to Victory
Arshin Kulkarni’s aggressive 114 off 100 balls, along with fifties from Ruturaj Gaikwad (66 off 52 balls) and Ramakrishna Ghosh (64 not out off 27 balls), helped Maharashtra defeat Mumbai by 128 runs in the Group C clash. Despite Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s 92 off 88 balls and Siddesh Lad’s 52, Mumbai could not reach the target of 367 runs. Pradeep Dadhe took 3/43 in eight overs for Maharashtra.
Other Match Results
- Group A: Rajasthan defeated Tamil Nadu by 10 runs.
- Group B: Bengal beat Assam by 85 runs.
- Group C: Chhattisgarh edged out Himachal Pradesh by one run.
- Group D: Saurashtra defeated Railways by 31 runs.
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