Karun Nair’s Heroics Propel Vidarbha to Vijay Hazare Trophy Final
Karun Nair Shines with Unbeaten 88 as Vidarbha Advances to the Final
Karun Nair’s scintillating form continued with an unbeaten 44-ball 88, leading Vidarbha to a commanding victory over Maharashtra in the second semi-final of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy. The win sets up an exciting final where Nair will face his former team, Karnataka, on Saturday.
Nair’s Explosive Innings
Nair, who narrowly missed a fifth consecutive List A century, displayed a masterclass in finishing. Starting cautiously, he accelerated spectacularly in the death overs, smashing four sixes and three fours in the last two overs, including a jaw-dropping sequence in the final over off Rajneesh Gurbani, another player facing his former team. Nair’s innings, laced with nine fours and five sixes, took his tournament tally to an impressive 752 runs, being dismissed only once.
Vidarbha’s Dominance with the Bat
Opting to bat first for the first time in the tournament, Vidarbha posted a mammoth 380 for 3, with the last seven overs yielding 108 runs. The foundation was laid by a 224-run opening partnership between Dhruv Shorey (107 off 108 balls) and Yash Rathod (141 off 118 balls).
Jitesh Sharma, who contributed a quickfire 33-ball 51, added crucial runs alongside Nair in a 93-run partnership off just 59 balls. Rathod’s second List A century of the season showcased his versatility, combining elegant footwork against spin and power against the pacers.
Maharashtra’s Struggles in the Chase
Maharashtra’s response was lackluster, with the chase never gaining momentum. Losing captain Ruturaj Gaikwad early to a stunning one-handed diving catch by Jitesh Sharma set the tone for their innings. Rahul Tripathi’s promising 27 off 19 balls ended prematurely, leaving the team dependent on Ankit Bawne and Arshin Kulkarni.
Kulkarni’s 90 (strike rate 89.10) and Bawne’s 50 provided a brief spark but couldn’t keep up with the escalating required run rate. Vidarbha’s bowlers, led by Yash Thakur’s pace and Harsh Dubey’s tight left-arm spin, kept Maharashtra in check, restricting their scoring options.
Missed Opportunities Cost Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s fielding woes compounded their challenges. Shorey and Rathod survived key chances early in their innings, and Nair was dropped on 30 by Pradeep Dadhe. Wicketkeeper Nikhil Naik endured a tough day, missing a stumping and a skier that could have shifted momentum.
Vidarbha’s Remarkable Campaign
This win marks Vidarbha’s eighth consecutive victory and their maiden entry into the Vijay Hazare Trophy final. With a balanced team effort and Nair’s sensational form, they now stand on the brink of creating history.
Key Performances from the Semi-Final
- Karun Nair: 88* off 44 balls (9 fours, 5 sixes)
- Yash Rathod: 141 off 118 balls (10 fours, 5 sixes)
- Dhruv Shorey: 107 off 108 balls (12 fours, 2 sixes)
- Jitesh Sharma: 51 off 33 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes)
- Vidarbha Bowlers: Tight spells from Yash Thakur and Harsh Dubey
What’s Next
Vidarbha will face Karnataka in the final on Saturday, with Nair set to play against his former team. Can Vidarbha complete their dream run and clinch the trophy?
