Abhishek Goswami produced a match-winning century as Uttar Pradesh stormed into the quarterfinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a commanding 54-run victory over Vidarbha in a crucial Group B encounter on Tuesday. Sent in to bat, Uttar Pradesh put up a massive 339/5, thanks to Goswami’s fluent 103, well supported by half-centuries from Priyam Garg (67), Dhruv Jurel (56) and Rinku Singh (57).
Despite a valiant effort from Aman Mokhade, who played a sensational knock of 147, Vidarbha could only manage 285/9 in their 50 overs. India spinner Kuldeep Yadav led the bowling effort with figures of 3/52, ensuring Uttar Pradesh maintained their unbeaten run. With the victory, Uttar Pradesh continued their flawless campaign, topping the Group B standings with 20 points. Vidarbha, Bengal and Baroda are tied at 16 points each with one league match remaining.
Aman Rao’s Double Century Shatters Bengal’s Hopes
Group B produced another explosive performance as US-born Aman Rao hammered a breathtaking double century (200 not out off 109 balls) to power Hyderabad to a massive win over Bengal. His knock, featuring 12 fours and 13 sixes, came in just his third List A match and helped Hyderabad pile up 352/5. This was the second double hundred of this season, after Odisha’s Swastik Samal scored 212 in December.
Rao dominated a strong Bengal bowling lineup, smashing 120 runs off the experienced pace trio of Mohammed Shami (3/70), Akash Deep (0/78) and Mukesh Kumar (0/55). He shared crucial partnerships — 104 runs with Rahul Singh (65) and 87 runs with captain Tilak Varma (34) — before bringing up his double ton with a six off the final ball of the innings.
In reply, Bengal’s chase fell apart early as India pacer Mohammed Siraj delivered a fiery spell, taking 4/58, leaving Bengal reeling at 73/4. Despite Shahbaz Ahmed’s fighting unbeaten 108, Bengal were bowled out for 245 in 44.4 overs, suffering a huge 107-run defeat that dented their quarterfinal chances. Bengal now sit third in the table behind Vidarbha on Net Run Rate.
Baroda Stay Alive With Twin Tons
Baroda remained firmly in the qualification race after Vishnu Solanki (132) and Priyanshu Moliya (114) slammed superb centuries to register a 76-run win over Jammu and Kashmir. Baroda posted 332/10 before bowling out J&K for 256 in 45.3 overs, despite resistance from Dikshant Kundal (66) and Kawalpreet Singh (65). The win placed Baroda level with Bengal and Vidarbha at 16 points.
Chandigarh Clinch Seven-Wicket Win
In another Group B contest, Manan Vohra (102) and Arjun Azad (140) powered Chandigarh to a convincing seven-wicket victory over Assam. Though Sibsankar Roy starred for Assam with an unbeaten 106 in their total of 284/7, Chandigarh comfortably chased the target in 47.2 overs, courtesy of a brilliant 244-run opening stand between Vohra and Azad.
Brief Scores
Uttar Pradesh 339/5 (Abhishek Goswami 103; Harsh Dubey 1/51) beat Vidarbha 285/9 (Aman Mokhade 147; Kuldeep Yadav 3/52) by 54 runs
Hyderabad 352/5 (Aman Rao 200; Mohammed Shami 3/70) beat Bengal 245 all out (Shahbaz Ahmed 108; Mohammed Siraj 4/58) by 107 runs*
Baroda 332 (Solanki 132, Moliya 114) beat J&K 256 (Kundal 66; Krunal Pandya 2/45) by 76 runs
Assam 284/7 lost to Chandigarh 286/3 (Vohra 102, Azad 140) by 7 wickets
With thrilling performances, massive centuries and intense qualification battles, Group B has turned into one of the most exciting contests of the Vijay Hazare Trophy season.