Did Atharva Taide End His Five-Year Drought with a Century Against Saurashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Final?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In an exhilarating final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Atharva Taide of Vidarbha achieved a stunning century, breaking a five-year drought. His performance not only propelled his team but also marked a significant milestone in his career, making him one of the few players to score a century in this prestigious tournament's final.
Key Takeaways
- Atharva Taide's comeback with a century after five years.
- Significant contribution to Vidarbha's success in the tournament.
- Remarkable performance under pressure in the final.
- Encouragement for budding cricketers in India.
- Highlighting the importance of domestic cricket.
Bengaluru, Jan 18 (NationPress) In the thrilling final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence ground Number 1, Atharva Taide, the opener from Vidarbha, made a remarkable comeback after a five-year wait by scoring an impressive century against Saurashtra. The 25-year-old reached this milestone in just 97 balls, propelling his team past the 200-run mark.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Atharva took to the crease alongside Aman Mokhade. The pair navigated the initial swing from the Saurashtra bowlers, building a solid 80-run opening partnership.
Saurashtra finally claimed their first wicket in the 18th over when Ankur Pawar clean bowled Aman for 33 runs. Nevertheless, Atharva maintained his aggressive approach, ensuring that the new batter, Yash Rathod, felt no pressure.
He brought up his century with a single in the 31st over, having struck 12 fours and two sixes. This marks Atharva's first century in List A cricket in five years, making him the 16th player to achieve this feat in a Vijay Hazare Trophy Final.
His innings came to an end on the final delivery of the 36th over when he lofted a yorker from Ankur Pawar into the hands of Prerak Mankad, finishing with 128 runs off just 118 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes.
Atharva has had a stellar run throughout the tournament, contributing significantly to his team. Earlier, he scored a patient 62 (72) in the quarter-final against Delhi, which helped Vidarbha post a total of 300. He also recorded scores of 80 against Assam and 65 against Baroda earlier this month.
With 42 List A matches under his belt, Atharva has accumulated three centuries and six fifties, boasting an average of 35.25.
Both teams have battled through a series of challenging matches to reach this final.
Point of View
I observe that Atharva Taide's century not only signifies personal triumph but also highlights the competitive spirit of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His performance serves as a reminder of the resilience and dedication shown by players in domestic cricket, inspiring upcoming talents in the nation.
NationPress
18/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Atharva Taide's century?
Atharva Taide's century is significant as it ends a five-year wait for a List A century and highlights his comeback at a crucial moment in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final.
How did Vidarbha perform in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Vidarbha performed commendably, making their way to the final with key contributions from players like Atharva Taide, showcasing their strength in domestic cricket.
Who were Vidarbha's main competitors in the final?
Vidarbha faced Saurashtra in the final, both teams having shown great resilience throughout the tournament.
What does this victory mean for Atharva Taide?
This victory marks a significant milestone in Atharva Taide's career, reaffirming his capabilities as a top-order batsman in the domestic circuit.
How does Atharva Taide's performance impact his future in cricket?
Atharva Taide's performance could open doors for greater opportunities in his cricket career, positioning him as a strong contender for future national selections.
