Vijay Hazare Quarters Shockers: Punjab, Vidarbha Dominate, Delhi’s Title Hopes Dashed
Ahmedabad/Rajkot: In a display of absolute cricketing dominance, Punjab has stormed into the semi-finals of the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Punjab squad unleashed a ruthless assault on Madhya Pradesh, securing a historic 183-run victory. This win marks Punjab’s largest-ever victory margin in terms of runs defended in List-A cricket history, surpassing their previous record of a 167-run win against Puducherry.
Simultaneously, the second quarter-final witnessed a massive upset as Vidarbha knocked out a star-studded Delhi side by 76 runs. The defeat has left Delhi fans heartbroken, as their long-standing dream of lifting the trophy for the first time since the 2012-13 season was once again snuffed out. With these results, the stage is now set for a blockbuster semi-final lineup featuring Punjab, Vidarbha, Karnataka, and the home giants, Saurashtra.
Punjab’s Batting Masterclass: Prabhsimran And Anmolpreet Demolish MP Attack
Winning the toss and electing to bat first proved to be a masterstroke for Punjab. From the very first over, the Punjab openers dictated the pace of the game, leaving the Madhya Pradesh bowlers searching for answers. The innings was a perfect blend of calculated aggression and middle-order power-hitting.
The Pillars of Punjab’s 345-Run Total:
- Prabhsimran Singh (Captain): Led from the front with a blistering 88 runs off 86 balls, providing a rock-solid foundation.
- Anmolpreet Singh: Continued his rich vein of form with a crucial 70 runs, rotating the strike effectively.
- Nehal Wadhera: The IPL sensation provided the late-innings fireworks, smashing an unbeaten 56 runs off just 38 balls.
Chasing a mountainous target of 346, Rajat Patidar’s Madhya Pradesh buckled under the scoreboard pressure. Despite Patidar’s top score of 38, the entire team was bundled out for a measly 162 runs in just 31.2 overs. Punjab’s Sanvir Singh was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 3 wickets to dismantle the MP middle order.
Vidarbha’s Clinical Execution: Yash Rathod And Nachiket Bhute Heroics Sink Delhi
In the second high-stakes quarter-final, Vidarbha proved that teamwork triumphs over individual stardom. Facing a formidable Delhi side featuring veterans like Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini, Vidarbha posted a competitive total of 300/9 in 50 overs.
The architects of Vidarbha’s innings were Yash Rathod (86 runs) and opener Atharva Taide (62 runs). While Ishant Sharma managed 2 wickets for Delhi, the target of 301 proved too steep for the Delhi batters. Nachiket Bhute produced a dream spell for Vidarbha, picking up 4 wickets to break Delhi’s backbone. Despite Anuj Rawat’s valiant 66, Delhi was bowled out for 224, ending their tournament journey in disappointment.
Semi-Final Showdown: Saurashtra Prepared For Punjab Challenge
The battle lines have been drawn for the final four. The upcoming semi-finals promise to be an edge-of-the-seat affair for cricket fans across the country, with a particularly high interest in the Saurashtra vs. Punjab clash.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Semi-Final Schedule:
| Date (2026) | Match | Fixture |
| January 15 | Semi-Final 1 | Vidarbha vs. Karnataka |
| January 16 | Semi-Final 2 | Saurashtra vs. Punjab |
Gujarat’s cricket enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for January 16, as Saurashtra—known for their grit and local support—will attempt to halt the Punjab juggernaut. While Punjab has the momentum of a massive 183-run win, Saurashtra’s tactical experience in home conditions makes this a “Blockbuster” encounter.
The Strategic Shift: Why Vidarbha And Punjab Are Dominating
The current season of the Vijay Hazare Trophy has highlighted a shift in domestic power dynamics. Traditional heavyweights like Delhi and Madhya Pradesh have struggled against the disciplined bowling units of Punjab and Vidarbha. The inclusion of young IPL stars like Nehal Wadhera and Prabhsimran Singh has given Punjab a fearless edge in the powerplay and death overs.
Vidarbha, on the other hand, has relied on their “never say die” attitude and the breakthrough performances of bowlers like Nachiket Bhute. As the tournament moves to its climax, the question remains: Can the explosive batting of Punjab overcome the seasoned resilience of Saurashtra, or will Vidarbha continue their underdog fairytale against a mighty Karnataka?
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