Punjab Crushes Madhya Pradesh by 183 Runs, Storms into Vijay Hazare Trophy Semis

In a display of sheer dominance and strategic brilliance, Punjab secured a commanding 183-run victory over Madhya Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 quarter-final. The match, played on the auspicious day of Lohri at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, saw Punjab dismantle a strong Madhya Pradesh side, earning their well-deserved spot in the tournament’s semifinals. It was a performance that underscored Punjab’s all-round capabilities, blending explosive batting with relentless bowling.

Punjab’s Batting Masterclass: From Cautious Start to Explosive Finish

The day began with Madhya Pradesh winning the toss and opting to field, a decision they would soon come to regret. Punjab’s innings, however, didn’t immediately burst into life. Openers Prabhsimran Singh, captain and wicketkeeper, and Harnoor Singh started cautiously against the tight bowling of Tripuresh Singh and Aryan Pandey. The initial powerplay saw Punjab’s run rate hovering below five, a testament to Madhya Pradesh’s early discipline. At one point, Outlook India reported Punjab at a modest 45/0 after 10.5 overs, with Prabhsimran on 4 off 10 and Harnoor on 9 off 26.

But cricket, much like life, is about seizing moments. As the innings progressed, Prabhsimran began to shift gears, accelerating his scoring rate and taking on the Madhya Pradesh bowlers. He quickly moved to 35 off 34 balls, inspiring Harnoor to follow suit. The duo then embarked on a magnificent 116-run opening stand, crossing the 100-run mark in just 21 overs and pushing the run rate above five. Harnoor Singh eventually fell for a well-made 51 off 71 deliveries, providing the crucial foundation Punjab needed.

The departure of Harnoor brought Anmolpreet Singh to the crease, who seamlessly continued the momentum. While Prabhsimran Singh was in a destructive mood, he narrowly missed a century, departing for a superb 88 off 86 balls. His innings, however, had set a formidable stage. Anmolpreet then took the mantle, anchoring the middle order with a brisk 70 off 62 balls, ensuring that Punjab’s scoring rate never dipped. But it was Nehal Wadhera who truly turned the screws on Madhya Pradesh. Coming in at a crucial juncture, Wadhera unleashed an onslaught, smashing an explosive 56 runs off just 38 balls. His quickfire innings, along with contributions from Ramandeep Singh, propelled Punjab past the 300-run mark. The team finished with a formidable total of 345 for 6 in their allotted 50 overs, a score that looked increasingly daunting for the chasing side.

Madhya Pradesh’s Chase: A Struggle Against Relentless Pressure

Faced with a mammoth target of 346, Madhya Pradesh’s chase began with hope but quickly descended into a struggle. Openers Yash Dubey and Himanshu Mantri found it challenging to cope with Punjab’s disciplined bowling attack. The early dismissal of Yash Dubey set the tone, and Madhya Pradesh’s scoring rate plummeted. Punjab’s bowlers, energized by their team’s batting performance, were relentless, applying constant pressure and picking up wickets at regular intervals.

Sanvir Singh led the charge, causing significant early damage with three crucial wickets. He was ably supported by Gurnoor Brar and Krish Bhagat, who each claimed two wickets, dismantling Madhya Pradesh’s top and middle order. News18 highlighted the rapid fall of wickets, detailing how Madhya Pradesh lost four wickets in a heap, reducing them to a precarious 57/4 after just 14 overs. The required run rate soared, making the task increasingly difficult.

Despite a valiant effort from Rajat Patidar, who fought hard for his 38 runs off 40 balls, no substantial partnerships could be forged. Patidar’s innings was a lone beacon amidst a collapsing batting line-up. Even a brief show of resistance from Tripuresh Singh, who struck a few boundaries, couldn’t stem the tide. Krish Bhagat eventually claimed the prized wicket of Patidar, effectively sealing Madhya Pradesh’s fate. The lower order offered little resistance, and Madhya Pradesh was eventually bundled out for a mere 162 runs in 31.2 overs, falling short by a massive 183 runs.

Punjab’s Bowlers Seal the Deal with Clinical Precision

The victory was not just built on Punjab’s powerful batting but also on the clinical precision of their bowling unit. From the outset of Madhya Pradesh’s chase, Punjab’s bowlers maintained an aggressive line and length, leaving no room for their opponents to settle. Sanvir Singh’s three-wicket haul provided the early breakthroughs, tearing through the top order and preventing any foundation from being built. Gurnoor Brar and Krish Bhagat continued the assault, chipping away at the middle order with their crucial two-wicket hauls. Even Ramandeep Singh and Mayank Markande contributed with a wicket each, demonstrating the depth and variety in Punjab’s bowling arsenal.

The collective effort ensured that Madhya Pradesh never gained any real momentum, with the required run rate escalating beyond reach. Each wicket taken was a nail in Madhya Pradesh’s coffin, and Punjab’s fielders backed their bowlers with sharp catches and tight fielding. The celebration on the field after the final wicket fell, securing a spot in the semi-finals, was a fitting end to a thoroughly dominant performance.

Punjab’s comprehensive victory was a testament to their exceptional team effort, where every player contributed significantly. Their ability to recover from a slow start, accelerate through partnerships, and then apply relentless pressure with the ball showcased a team firing on all cylinders. This dominant performance against a strong opponent like Madhya Pradesh firmly establishes Punjab as a formidable contender for the Vijay Hazare Trophy title.