Vidarbha created history by winning the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time, defeating Saurashtra by 38 runs in a high-scoring final to clinch the 2025–26 title.
Batting first after winning the toss, Vidarbha posted 317 for 8 in 50 overs. Saurashtra were bowled out for 279 in reply, handing Vidarbha a 38-run victory and reversing the disappointment suffered in the 2024–25 season.
Atharva Taide was named Player of the Match for his innings of 128 runs in the final, while Aman Mokhade was awarded Player of the Series for his consistent performances throughout the tournament.
Vidarbha’s innings was anchored by Taide, who scored 128, his third List A century, and Yash Rathod, who contributed 54 runs. Their partnership stabilised the innings. Vidarbha’s batting remained unaffected despite Dhruv Shorey being ruled out due to injury just before the match.
Saurashtra’s bowlers pulled things back in the final overs, with Ankur Panwar taking four wickets and Chetan Sakariya delivering a disciplined spell. Vidarbha added only 36 runs in the last five overs but had already built a substantial total.
Chasing 317, Saurashtra lost early wickets before Prerak Mankad scored 88 to keep the chase alive. Mankad and Chirag Jani added a key partnership, but Mankad was dismissed lbw in the 38th over by captain Harsh Dubey, shifting the momentum.
Jani scored 64 before being dismissed by a slower delivery from Darshan Nalkande. Vidarbha’s pace attack then took control despite the presence of dew. Yash Thakur claimed four wickets and Nachiket Bhute took three as Saurashtra were dismissed for 279.
