The 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy has reached its business end, and the quarter-final action on Tuesday saw Punjab and Vidarbha secure their spots in the semi-finals with emphatic victories. While Punjab dismantled Madhya Pradesh with a record-breaking performance, Vidarbha relied on a timely return to form from Yash Rathod to overcome a resilient Delhi side.
Punjab Crushes Madhya Pradesh by 183 Runs to Set Up Semi-Final Clash
Punjab delivered a statement of intent in the third quarter-final, recording their largest-ever margin of victory by runs in the competition’s history. Batting first, Punjab posted a formidable 345 for 6, powered by a clinical opening stand of 116 between Prabhsimran Singh (88) and Harnoor Singh (51). The momentum was sustained by Anmolpreet Singh, who anchored the middle order with a solid 70, before Nehal Wadhera provided the late-innings fireworks with a blistering 56 off just 38 balls.
In response, Madhya Pradesh’s chase never got off the ground. They were left reeling at 66 for 5 as Punjab’s pace attack exploited the conditions. Gurnoor Brar was particularly impressive, consistently clocking over 140-kph and troubling batters with high-velocity “hard lengths.” Although Brar provided a scare by limping off the field after 6.2 overs, seam-bowling all-rounder Sanvir Singh stepped up to ensure no comeback was possible. Sanvir’s three-wicket haul (3-31) included the dismissals of Shubham Sharma and Venkatesh Iyer in a single over, effectively ending MP’s hopes. Despite a lone fight from Rajat Patidar (38), MP were bundled out for 162 in 31.2 overs.
Yash Rathod and Nachiket Bhute Power Vidarbha Past Delhi
In the other quarter-final fixture, Vidarbha ended Delhi’s campaign with a 76-run victory, largely thanks to a redemption knock from Yash Rathod. After a quiet season, Rathod found his touch when it mattered most, smashing 86 off 73 deliveries to propel Vidarbha to a total of 300 for 9. Earlier in the innings, Atharva Taide (62) and Dhruv Shorey (49) steadied the ship after the early loss of Aman Mokhade. A significant milestone was reached during the innings when Delhi captain Ishant Sharma claimed his 200th List A wicket by dismissing Taide.
Delhi’s chase began with promise as Priyansh Arya raced to 28, but the introduction of Nachiket Bhute changed the complexion of the game. Bhute dismissed Arya and Nitish Rana in consecutive deliveries, a blow from which Delhi never fully recovered. Spinner Harsh Dubey maintained the pressure, picking up 3-36 to dismantle the middle order. While Anuj Rawat fought a solitary battle with a well-made 66, the lack of support at the other end saw Delhi bowled out for 224 in the 46th over.
| Match Component | Punjab vs Madhya Pradesh | Vidarbha vs Delhi |
| Winner | Punjab (by 183 runs) | Vidarbha (by 76 runs) |
| Top Scorer | Prabhsimran Singh (88) | Yash Rathod (86) |
| Best Bowler | Sanvir Singh (3-31) | Nachiket Bhute (4-51) |
| Next Opponent | Saurashtra (Jan 16) | Karnataka (Thursday) |
Punjab now moves forward to face Saurashtra in the semi-final on January 16, though all eyes will be on the fitness report of Gurnoor Brar. Meanwhile, Vidarbha prepares for a heavyweight clash against the defending champions, Karnataka, this Thursday.
