Vidarbha etched their name into Indian domestic cricket history by clinching the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, defeating Saurashtra in a high-quality final highlighted by a commanding century from Atharva Taide. The victory marked a landmark moment for Vidarbha, underlining their rise as one of the most consistent and competitive teams in India’s limited-overs circuit.
Batting first in the final, Vidarbha approached the occasion with clarity and composure. On a surface that rewarded patience early before easing up for stroke play, their top order focused on building a strong platform rather than chasing quick runs. That approach paid off handsomely, with Atharva Taide emerging as the central figure of the innings.
Taide played a mature, controlled knock, anchoring the innings with a well-paced century that blended classical shot-making with smart risk management. He absorbed early pressure, negotiated the new ball carefully, and then steadily expanded his range as the innings progressed. His ability to rotate strike against tight bowling and punish loose deliveries ensured Vidarbha maintained a healthy run rate throughout.
Support came from the middle order, which played its role effectively without trying to overshadow the anchor. Partnerships were built methodically, preventing Saurashtra from gaining momentum through quick wickets. While there were brief moments when Saurashtra threatened to pull things back with disciplined bowling spells, Vidarbha responded calmly, keeping wickets in hand for a strong finish.
The late overs proved crucial. With Taide still at the crease deep into the innings, Vidarbha accelerated smartly, adding vital runs that pushed the total into a challenging range. The final score reflected not just batting skill, but game awareness — a hallmark of championship-winning sides.
In reply, Saurashtra began the chase with intent, aware that falling behind the required rate early would be costly. Their top order showed positive signs, but Vidarbha’s bowlers struck at key intervals, breaking partnerships just as they began to develop. The pressure of a final was evident, with Vidarbha’s disciplined lines and sharp fielding squeezing scoring opportunities.
The middle overs turned the match decisively in Vidarbha’s favour. Spinners bowled with control and purpose, forcing batters to take risks against the run of play. Misjudged shots and well-placed fielders resulted in wickets that shifted momentum firmly toward Vidarbha.
Despite resistance from Saurashtra’s middle order, the asking rate continued to climb. Vidarbha’s seamers returned at the death with clear plans, mixing pace and hitting the right lengths to shut down any late comeback. As wickets fell and boundaries dried up, the outcome became increasingly inevitable.
When the final wicket fell, celebrations erupted in the Vidarbha camp. The win was not just about a single match, but the culmination of a remarkably consistent tournament campaign marked by depth, balance, and tactical discipline.
Atharva Taide’s century will be remembered as the defining performance of the final — an innings that embodied composure under pressure and leadership by example. For Vidarbha, lifting the Vijay Hazare Trophy represents a historic achievement and a powerful statement of their growing stature in Indian domestic cricket.
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