Can Atharva Taide Spark a New Era for Vidarbha in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Final?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Atharva Taide scored a century after five years.
- He played a pivotal role in Vidarbha's journey in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
- Atharva achieved his century with 12 fours and 2 sixes.
- He is the 16th player to score a century in the final.
- His innings helped Vidarbha surpass the 200-run mark.
Bengaluru, Jan 18 (NationPress) The opener for Vidarbha, Atharva Taide, showcased remarkable skill and determination during the final match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 against Saurashtra at the BCCI Centre of Excellence ground Number 1. The 25-year-old cricketer scored an impressive century off just 97 deliveries, propelling his team past the 200-run milestone.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Atharva opened the innings alongside Aman Mokhade. The pair handled the early swing from Saurashtra's bowlers effectively, putting together an 80-run partnership for the first wicket.
Saurashtra eventually claimed their first wicket in the 18th over, with Ankur Pawar clean bowling Aman, who made 33 runs. However, Atharva maintained his aggressive approach, ensuring that the pressure remained off the new batsman, Yash Rathod.
The opening batsman achieved his century in the 31st over with a single. He struck an impressive 12 fours and two sixes before reaching this milestone, marking his first List A century in five years. Atharva became the 16th player to score a century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Final.
He was eventually dismissed on the final ball of the 36th over, caught by Prerak Mankad after chipping a well-placed yorker from Ankur Pawar. Atharva finished his innings with a commendable 128 runs off just 118 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes.
Throughout the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, Atharva has displayed consistent performance, playing key innings to advance his team. He scored a steady 62 off 72 balls in the quarter-final against Delhi, contributing to Vidarbha's total of 300. He also notched up scores of 80 against Assam and 65 against Baroda earlier in January.
Atharva has participated in 42 List A matches, accumulating three centuries and six fifties, with an average of 35.25.
Both teams have endured a challenging journey to reach this final.