Vijay Hazare Trophy Highlights: Centuries for Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant stars with 72

Vijay Hazare Trophy Live Score: Domestic cricket has once again showcased India’s depth and talent pool with several standout performances, giving selectors much to consider ahead of the ODI squad announcement for the New Zealand series. Delhi completed a dominant performance against Services, chasing a modest target of 178 in just 19.4 overs. The chase, though straightforward, was underpinned by a composed partnership between Priyansh Arya and captain Rishabh Pant. Arya anchored the innings with 72 not out off 45 balls, timing his shots beautifully and keeping the scoreboard ticking, while Pant played a perfect supporting role, finishing 67 unbeaten from 37 deliveries. Earlier, Delhi’s bowlers had executed their plans with precision, bowling Services out for 178 in 42 overs. Harshit Rana claimed four wickets and Prince Aydav picked three, ensuring the opposition never gained any momentum.

In Baroda’s match against Vidarbha, Hardik Pandya produced a spectacular innings, demonstrating his all-round prowess. Coming in at number seven with Baroda struggling at 71 for 5, Pandya unleashed a breathtaking 133 off 93 balls. The highlight came in the 39th over against spinner Parth Rekhade, where Pandya hit five consecutive sixes and finished the over with a four, collecting 34 runs from a single over. His innings included 11 sixes and eight fours, turning the game around and propelling Baroda to a competitive 293 for nine. While Vishnu Solanki chipped in with 26, Pandya’s display was the standout, highlighting his ability to dominate matches single-handedly.

Kerala’s chase of 312 against Jharkhand also featured a memorable performance from Sanju Samson, who scored a commanding century. Samson stitched a 212-run opening stand with captain Rohan Kunnummal, who made 124 with eight fours and 11 sixes. Samson’s timing could not have been better, with the Indian ODI squad selection meeting on the same day. This innings puts him firmly in contention after last representing India in ODIs in 2023.

Ishan Kishan, despite a strong domestic season and a recent T20 World Cup recall, managed just 21, while Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 72 against Services reaffirmed his finishing ability in ODIs. With KL Rahul firmly as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper, the performances of Samson, Pant, Kishan, and Dhruv Jurel ensure a competitive battle for the second keeper spot.

These matches underline the depth of Indian cricket and provide selectors with both fireworks and assurance as they make key decisions ahead of the New Zealand ODIs. Performances like these are hard to ignore and will play a crucial role in shaping India’s white-ball setup.