In a high scoring match, Himachal Pradesh came out on top to lift their first Vijay Hazare Trophy. The first-time finalists took on former champions Tamil Nadu.
Rishi Dhawan called it right at the toss and asked Tamil Nadu to bat first. Himachal pacers proved too good to TN openers. Vijay Shankar sent Sai Kishore and Murugan Ashwin at number three and four to stabilize the innings but they couldn’t do much as TN found themselves at 40 for 4.
The experienced hands of Dinesh Karthik and Baba Indrajith took their time in the middle and built a huge partnership. Though there were a few sloppy chances and missed opportunities, the duo did well to add 200-plus partnership and Indrajith was the first one to go. He made 80 from 71 deliveries. On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik got to yet another century and he got out for 116.
Shahrukh’s 42 from 21 deliveries and Vijay Shankar’s 22 from 16 deliveries took TN to 314 in their fifty overs.
In return, Prashant Chopra and Arora had a half-century partnership for the first wicket. However, TN came back to remove Chopra, Rangi and Gangta quickly.
When one thought that TN was on top, Arora and Amit Kumar stood up for the team. They added 148 runs for the fourth wicket and Amit Kumar was dismissed for 74.
Rishi Dhawan didn’t waste any time in the middle and had a six in the second ball he faced. He then scored five fours and added 42 from just 23 deliveries.
On the other hand, Arora got to his maiden List-A century, made an unbeaten 136 from just 131 deliveries. He did have multiple chances and one of them was an easy run-out was missed out by skipper Vijay Shankar.
The team was 299 for 4 when the bad light dismissed the play. Himachal took the title for the first time through VJD Method.
