Vidarbha finally put the weight of last year’s heartbreak into script history, securing their maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy title with a commanding 38-run win over Saurashtra in the final in Bengaluru on 18 January 2026. Twelve months after tasting defeat in their first ever final, Vidarbha were much wiser and much tougher.
Vidarbha’s fairytale run came to a painful end in the 2025 final in Vadodara as Karnataka outplayed them by 46 runs. That loss lingered as unfinished business and fueled a performance of poise and clarity on Sunday. Asked to set a target, Vidarbha fired, led by a magnificent century from Atharva Taide. The opener anchored the innings with a superb 128 off 118 balls, hitting 15 fours and three sixes, perfectly balancing aggression with responsibility on the big stage.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Final, Vidarbha vs Saurashtra Highlights
Taide found solid support from Yash Rathod, who started with a composed 54, as Vidarbha steadily built momentum through the middle overs. Late cameos ensured the pressure remained on Saurashtra as Vidarbha finished on an impressive 317 for 8. For Saurashtra, Ankur Panwar was the standout with four wickets, but the damage was already done.
SAURASHTRA IN SHORT
Chasing 318, Saurashtra never found their rhythm. Early wickets marred their chase and while Prerak Mankad played a valiant knock of 88 to keep hopes alive, the support was fleeting. Chirag Jani’s brisk 64 briefly threatened to falter, but the Vidarbha bowlers responded with discipline and determination. Yash Thakur led the charge with four wickets while Nachiket Bhute claimed three wickets to ensure Saurashtra were bowled out for 279 in 48.5 overs.
It was another near miss for Saurashtra, Vijay Hazare’s two-title side, finishing second for the second time. It was redemption of the highest order for Vidarbha. From the pain of last year’s final loss to lifting the trophy, their journey has come full circle – a triumph forged through resilience, faith and a hunger to rewrite their own history.
A brief score
Vidarbha: 317/8 in 50 overs. Atharva Taide (128), Yash Rathod (54); Ankur Panwar (4/65), Chetan Sakariya (2/45)
Saurashtra: 279 all out in 48.5 overs. Prerak Mankad (88), Chirag Jani (64); Yash Thakur (4/50), Nachiket Bhute (3/46)
Result: Vidarbha beat Saurashtra by 38 runs
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
January 18, 2026