Haryana Edges Gujarat to Reach Vijay Hazare Semi-Finals
Haryana triumphed over Gujarat in a low-scoring yet gripping contest to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Despite a late collapse that saw them lose five wickets for just 19 runs, Haryana successfully chased Gujarat’s modest total of 196 in Vadodara, wrapping up the match in 44 overs.
Haryana’s Steady Chase
Haryana’s chase began with a quick 29-run opening partnership, spearheaded by Arsh Ranga’s brisk 25 off 16 balls. After his dismissal, Himanshu Rana steadied the innings with crucial half-century partnerships—first with skipper Ankit Kumar and then with Parth Vats. Rana’s composed 66-run knock ensured Haryana stayed ahead of the required run rate.
However, Gujarat’s Ravi Bishnoi provided his team a lifeline by dismissing Rana, followed by a spell that triggered a collapse in Haryana’s middle order. From 173 for 3, Haryana tumbled to 192 for 8, with Bishnoi claiming three of the five wickets. Despite the late drama, the contributions from the top five batters ensured Haryana edged past the target, securing a spot in the semi-finals.
Gujarat’s Struggle with the Bat
Earlier in the day, Gujarat’s innings started on a promising note, with openers Urvil Patel and Aarya Desai racing to 45 in just seven overs. However, a sudden collapse saw them lose three wickets in quick succession, leaving their middle order under pressure.
Chintan Gaja attempted to anchor the innings, forming a 34-run stand with Saurabh Chauhan, but their dismissals further weakened Gujarat’s position. It was Hemang Patel’s fighting knock of 54 off 62 balls, alongside a 54-run ninth-wicket partnership, that pushed Gujarat close to the 200-run mark.
Haryana’s All-Round Bowling Performance
Haryana’s bowling unit shone collectively, with Nishant Sindhu and debutant Anuj Thakral taking three wickets each, while Anshul Kamboj chipped in with two crucial scalps. Their disciplined performance restricted Gujarat to a modest total, setting the stage for a manageable chase.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Haryana moves into the Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-finals, showcasing resilience and teamwork despite the tense finish. They will aim to carry this momentum into the next round as they eye a spot in the tournament final.
The loss for Gujarat ends their campaign, but the spirited performances from players like Hemang Patel and Ravi Bishnoi highlight the depth of talent in the side. Haryana’s win underlines their ability to handle pressure in crucial games, making them a formidable contender for the title.
