Aman Rao Scores Unbeaten 200 in Hyderabad's 352/5 vs Bengal

In Rajkot, India, on Tuesday, 21-year-old opener Aman Rao delivered a remarkable unbeaten 200 off 154 balls to power Hyderabad to a formidable 352 for 5 against Bengal in a Group B match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Niranjan Shah Stadium.

Rao, who carried his bat through the innings, struck 12 fours and 13 sixes in a display of aggressive batting that dismantled Bengal's attack. The performance marked his maiden century in senior cricket and came in just his third List A appearance. It also set a new record for the highest individual score by a Hyderabad batter in the format, surpassing Tilak Varma's previous mark of 156 not out against Tripura in 2020-21. This was the ninth double century in the tournament's history and the second this season, following Swastik Samal's 212 for Odisha against Saurashtra in December.

Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran won the toss and elected to field, a decision that quickly backfired as Rao and opening partner Rahul Singh Gahlaut forged a 104-run stand for the first wicket. Singh scored 65 off 54 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, before falling to Rohit Das in the 16th over. Rao then combined with Hyderabad skipper Tilak Varma...