Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25: Karnataka Wins Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, Beats Vidarbha

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25: Karnataka emerged victorious in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 final, defeating Karun Nair-led Vidarbha by 36 runs at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. This marked Karnataka’s fifth Vijay Hazare Trophy title, tying Tamil Nadu as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25: Karnataka Clinches Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, Karun Nair’s Dream Run Ends in Heartbreak

Karnataka’s Stellar Batting Performance

Opting to bat first, Karnataka posted an imposing 348/6 in 50 overs. The innings was powered by Ravichandran Smaran’s magnificent century (101 off 92 balls), who held the innings together with poise. Smaran’s knock was complemented by Krishnan Shrijith’s gritty 78 off 74 balls, forming a crucial partnership that set the tone for a big total.

Adding the fireworks at the backend, Abhinav Manohar smashed an explosive 79 off just 42 deliveries, including 10 fours and 4 sixes, ensuring Karnataka finished on a high. Despite efforts by Vidarbha bowlers Nachiket Bhute (2/70) and Darshan Nalkande (2/67), Karnataka’s middle and lower order partnerships proved too strong.

Vidarbha’s Faltering Chase

Vidarbha’s chase began on a promising note with opener Dhruv Shorey delivering his third consecutive century of the tournament, scoring a well paced 110 off 111 balls. However, Vidarbha’s middle-order failed to support his efforts.

Captain Karun Nair, who had been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, couldn’t replicate his heroics in the final, managing just 27 off 31 balls before falling to Prasidh Krishna. Nair finished the tournament as the top scorer, amassing 779 runs at an astonishing average of 389.5.

A late surge by Harsh Dubey (63 off 30 balls, 5 sixes, 5 fours) gave Vidarbha a glimmer of hope, but Karnataka’s bowlers held their nerve to bundle Vidarbha out for 312 in 48.3 overs.

Karnataka’s Bowling Prowess

Karnataka’s disciplined bowling lineup was instrumental in their victory. Vasuki Koushik led the attack with 3/47, supported by Prasidh Krishna and Abhilash Shetty, who also claimed three wickets each. Their ability to pick wickets at crucial junctures prevented Vidarbha from building threatening partnerships.

Heartbreak for Karun Nair

For Karun Nair, the final was a bittersweet moment. Hours after being left out of India’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, he faced the heartbreak of losing the final despite his stellar run in the tournament. Nair’s five centuries in seven innings and an aggregate of 779 runs had earned him widespread acclaim, including praise from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. However, the selectors cited the difficulty of fitting everyone into the national squad as the reason for his exclusion.

Karnataka’s Historic Victory

Karnataka’s fifth Vijay Hazare Trophy win underscores their dominance in India’s domestic cricket. The team displayed an all around performance, with their top order setting the stage and their bowlers delivering under pressure.

Final Scorecard Highlights

• Karnataka: 348/6 in 50 overs (Ravichandran Smaran 101, Abhinav Manohar 79)
• Vidarbha: 312 all out in 48.3 overs (Dhruv Shorey 110, Harsh Dubey 63)
• Karnataka won by 36 runs

As Karnataka celebrates their well deserved title, the tournament also highlighted the incredible individual performance of Karun Nair, whose journey remains one of grit and determination.

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