Bengaluru, Jan 13 (.) Vidarbha’s emerging star Yash Rathod led from the front as the team secured a commanding 76-run victory over Delhi in the 4th Quarter-Final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite 2025-26 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2 here on Tuesday.
Opting to bat first, Vidarbha posted a formidable total of 300 for 9 in 50 overs, powered by Rathod’s brilliant 86 off 73 balls, which included eight boundaries and two sixes.
Atharva Taide provided solid support with 62 runs, while Dhruv Shorey added 49 to keep the scoreboard ticking. Ravikumar Samarth chipped in with 23 runs, and Yash Kadam contributed 19.
Delhi’s pace duo of Ishant Sharma (2/47) and Navdeep Saini (2/68), along with Prince Yadav (2/59), shared the wickets, but could not contain Vidarbha’s aggressive batting.
Vidarbha’s bowlers then executed a disciplined and strategic plan. Medium-pacer Nachiket Bhute (4/51) exploited Delhi’s middle-order weaknesses, while spinner Harsh Dubey (3/36) and fast Praful Hinge (2/54) applied consistent pressure.
Yash Kadam picked up a crucial wicket as well. Delhi struggled to build substantial partnerships, with only Anuj Rawat (66 off 98 balls) and Harsh Tyagi (27) making notable contributions. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 224 in 45.1 overs, handing Vidarbha a comprehensive victory.
The match highlighted Vidarbha’s leadership and teamwork, with Rathod not only anchoring the innings but also setting the tone for the bowlers. The team’s performance showcased a perfect blend of calculated aggression and tactical execution, crucial in knockout matches.
With this win, Vidarbha advanced to the semifinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite 2025-26, emphasising the impact of leadership on-field and strategic execution in high-pressure matches, while Delhi’s campaign ended at the quarterfinal stage.
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