Source: Cricbuzz

In a thrilling encounter that saw fortunes ebb and flow before culminating in a dominant display, Vidarbha secured their spot in the final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, thanks to a magnificent, match-winning century from their linchpin, Aman Mokhade. The left-handed maestro anchored Vidarbha’s challenging run chase, transforming a watchful beginning into a comfortable victory over a formidable Karnataka side, effectively knocking the perennial contenders out of the tournament.

The semi-final clash, held under a bright winter sun, lived up to its billing as a high-stakes affair. Karnataka, electing to bat first, had posted a competitive total of 298/7 in their allotted 50 overs, a score that, on paper, promised a stern test for any chasing side. However, Mokhade’s sublime form and a collective display of composure ensured Vidarbha navigated the pressure cooker situation with aplomb, sealing a memorable five-wicket win with more than an over to spare.

The Karnataka Innings: Setting a Formidable Target

Karnataka’s innings was built on solid foundations, primarily through a resilient half-century from their skipper, Manish Pandey (68 off 75 balls), and a late flurry from the aggressive all-rounder, Shreyas Gopal (52* off 38 balls). After an early wicket, openers Samarth R. and Karun Nair provided a steady start, stitching together a 70-run partnership that blunted Vidarbha’s new-ball attack. Nair’s watchful 45 and Samarth’s aggressive 38 kept the scoreboard ticking.

However, Vidarbha’s bowlers, led by the disciplined medium-pacer Yash Thakur (3/58) and the experienced left-arm spinner Akshay Wakhare (2/49), managed to peg back Karnataka in the middle overs. Wakhare’s crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissal of the dangerous Devdutt Padikkal, ensured Karnataka couldn’t truly accelerate in the crucial phase. It was Pandey’s experience and Gopal’s late assault, featuring three towering sixes, that pushed Karnataka’s total closer to the 300-run mark, setting up a tantalizing chase for Vidarbha.

Vidarbha’s Watchful Start: Nerves and Early Jitters

Chasing 299 in a semi-final is always a daunting prospect, and Vidarbha’s innings began with a clear sense of caution. Openers Atharva Taide and Faiz Fazal started watchfully against Karnataka’s potent pace attack, spearheaded by Prasidh Krishna and Vijaykumar Vyshak. The disciplined lines and lengths from Karnataka’s quicks meant boundaries were hard to come by in the initial powerplay. The pressure mounted when Taide (18) fell to a sharp delivery from Vyshak, followed shortly by the dismissal of Ganesh Satish for a single-digit score, leaving Vidarbha precariously placed at 48/2 in the 12th over.

This early wobble threatened to derail Vidarbha’s chase, inviting memories of past semi-final heartbreaks. The required run rate began to creep upwards, and Karnataka’s fielders grew visibly animated. It was at this juncture that Aman Mokhade walked to the crease, joining captain Faiz Fazal, tasked with rebuilding the innings and absorbing the mounting pressure.

Aman Mokhade’s Masterclass: The Turning Point

From the moment he arrived, Aman Mokhade displayed a calm authority that belied the situation. His initial approach was measured, respecting the good deliveries while punishing anything loose with precision. He rotated the strike effectively, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking without taking undue risks. His partnership with Faiz Fazal (42 off 55 balls) was instrumental in stabilizing the innings. Though Fazal eventually departed, trying to up the ante, he had played a crucial supporting role, allowing Mokhade to settle.

The real turning point, however, came with the arrival of wicketkeeper-batsman Akshay Wadkar. Together, Mokhade and Wadkar forged a magnificent 135-run partnership for the fourth wicket, systematically dismantling Karnataka’s bowling plans. Mokhade, who had started cautiously, began to unfurl his full repertoire of strokes. Elegant drives through the covers, powerful pulls, and deft nudges for singles and twos became commonplace. He targeted the spinners, particularly Shreyas Gopal and J Suchith, hitting them for crucial boundaries and disrupting their rhythm.

Mokhade brought up his fifty off 65 balls, a sign of his initial watchful approach. But once past that milestone, he shifted gears seamlessly. He accelerated masterfully, reaching his sublime century off just 108 deliveries, a knock punctuated by 12 fours and 2 sixes. Each shot was met with thunderous applause from the Vidarbha dressing room and the modest crowd, as the belief that victory was within grasp solidified.

Sealing the Deal: Vidarbha’s Dominant Finish

Akshay Wadkar played the perfect foil, contributing a vital 60 runs off 70 balls, providing Mokhade with the necessary support to keep the momentum going. Their partnership not only brought the required run rate down significantly but also visibly deflated the Karnataka fielders, who had initially been buzzing with energy. Even after Wadkar’s departure, Mokhade remained unperturbed, taking charge of the chase. He continued to find the boundaries with ease, ensuring that the pressure never returned to Vidarbha.

With just a handful of runs required, Mokhade, fittingly, struck the winning runs with a powerful drive through extra cover, bringing up a comprehensive five-wicket victory for Vidarbha. He remained unbeaten on a magnificent 128 off 120 balls, an innings that will undoubtedly go down as one of the finest in the history of the Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-finals. His composure under pressure, ability to accelerate, and impeccable shot selection were a testament to his class and determination.

Road to the Final: A Dream Realized

This victory marks a significant milestone for Vidarbha cricket. Historically, while possessing pockets of talent, they have often been seen as underdogs against the cricketing powerhouses like Karnataka. Reaching the final of the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy, especially by overcoming such a strong opponent, speaks volumes about the team’s growth, strategy, and collective spirit.

The journey to the final has been arduous, filled with intense league-stage battles and crucial knockout fixtures. Vidarbha has consistently demonstrated resilience and a hunger for success throughout the tournament. Aman Mokhade’s heroics today encapsulate the fighting spirit that has propelled them this far.

Looking Ahead: One Step Closer to Glory

As Vidarbha now awaits their opponent in the grand finale, they will carry immense confidence from this memorable win. Mokhade’s form, coupled with the disciplined bowling and crucial contributions from other batsmen, makes them a potent force. The final will undoubtedly be another high-pressure encounter, but Vidarbha has proven they have the temperament and the talent to rise to the occasion.

For Karnataka, it’s a disappointing end to what was largely a strong campaign. Their rich history in white-ball cricket means this semi-final exit will sting, but they will undoubtedly come back stronger next season. For now, the spotlight shines brightly on Vidarbha and their centurion, Aman Mokhade, as they stand on the cusp of Vijay Hazare Trophy glory in the 2025-26 season.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on news aggregated from multiple cricket sources. Cricket Mantra provides analysis and insights to cricket fans worldwide.