Devdutt Padikkal commenced the new year with an impressive performance, scoring an unbeaten 102 runs off 99 balls, which played a pivotal role in Karnataka's hard-fought five-run victory over Baroda in the quarterfinal of the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Motibaug Cricket Ground. This match, held on Saturday, showcased the intensity and competitive spirit of both teams.
Karnataka, put in to bat first, set a challenging target by accumulating 281 runs for the loss of eight wickets. The innings was built on a strong second-wicket partnership of 133 runs between Padikkal and K.V. Aneesh, who contributed a valuable 52 runs. This collaboration laid a solid foundation for Karnataka, allowing them to post a score that would put pressure on their opponents.
Baroda responded with determination, with opener Shashwat Rawat leading their chase. Rawat notched up his first List A century, scoring 104 runs from 126 balls, including nine boundaries and one six. His innings was supported by significant contributions from Atit Sheth, who scored 56 runs, and Krunal Pandya, who added 30 runs. Their combined efforts kept Baroda in contention throughout the latter stages of the match.
However, Karnataka's bowlers played a crucial role in turning the tide. Pacer V. Koushik and leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal were particularly effective, each taking two wickets. Koushik's dismissal of Krunal Pandya, caught behind by wicketkeeper K.L. Shrijith in a stunning one-handed catch, was a turning point. Gopal's timely removal of Sheth helped control the scoring rate, as Karnataka's bowling attack managed to maintain pressure, preventing Baroda from hitting a boundary for over 10 consecutive overs.
Although Rawat's excellent performance and additional efforts from Bhanu Pania and Bhargav Bhatt were commendable, Baroda ultimately succumbed to Karnataka's disciplined bowling attack, being bowled out on the second-to-last delivery of the match. With the task of needing seven runs off the final two balls, Bhargav attempted a risky double run to retain the strike but was run out, leaving the home fans disappointed.
Padikkal's batting display was a highlight of Karnataka's innings. He started aggressively, utilizing lofted drives and precise cuts to clear the in-field comfortably. He reached his half-century in just 51 balls and continued to elevate the scoring rate, targeting the spinners effectively throughout the innings. Padikkal showcased his batting prowess by strategically taking on Mahesh Pithiya, striking several boundaries to the leg side and even hitting a maximum.
As he approached his century, Padikkal lofted Raj Limbani over long-off for his second six, ultimately completing his ninth List A hundred off just 96 balls. Despite Baroda's bowlers, Limbani and Sheth, each taking three wickets to stem the flow of runs, Karnataka's late-order batters, including Abhinav Manohar, Shreyas Gopal, and Prasidh Krishna, capitalized on the final stages of the innings, collecting a swift 69 runs in the last 10 overs. This late surge proved crucial as Karnataka secured a narrow victory in this tightly contested match.
In the day's other quarterfinal, Maharashtra emerged victorious against Punjab by a margin of 70 runs, led by Arshin Kulkarni’s century, which came off 137 balls. Despite a commendable all-round performance from Arshdeep Singh, Punjab could not surpass the target set by Maharashtra, highlighting the intense competition in this year's tournament.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy continues to deliver thrilling matches, showcasing the talents of emerging players and established stars alike, as teams vie for supremacy in India's premier domestic one-day cricket championship.