Vidarbha Beats Karnataka by 6 Wickets in Vijay Hazare Semifinal

Vidarbha advanced to the final of the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy with a convincing six-wicket victory over defending champions Karnataka in the first semifinal at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Chasing 281, Vidarbha reached the target in 46.2 overs, losing only four wickets. Opener Aman Mokhade anchored the innings with an unbeaten 138 off 122 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes. His chanceless knock featured aggressive strokes all around the ground, particularly against legspinner Shreyas Gopal, from whom he scored 37 runs off 28 balls. A highlight was his hooked six off pacer Vidwath Kaverappa. Mokhade shared a crucial 147-run third-wicket partnership with R. Samarth, who remained not out on 76 off 69 balls with seven fours, flattening Karnataka's defense.

Earlier, Karnataka elected to bat and managed 280 all out in 49.4 overs. Karun Nair top-scored with 76 off 90 balls, including eight fours and a six, while K.L. Shrijith contributed 54 off 53 balls with seven fours. The pair rebuilt after an early collapse to 74 for three, adding 113 runs. However, Vidarbha's bowlers struck back, with Karun caught at extra cover off Darshan Nalkande and Shrijith...