Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25: Vidarbha vs Maharashtra Match Preview, Semi-Final 2

Vidarbha is set to take on Maharashtra in the semi-final 2 of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 at Kotambi Stadium, in Vadodara, on Thursday, January 16. 

Vidarbha, under the leadership of Karun Nair, have been undefeated, registering six wins in the league stage and defeating Rajasthan by a nine-wicket victory in the quarter-final. Nair has been in the form of his life, smashing five centuries in six innings, scoring 664 runs at an average of 664, including an unbeaten 122 in the quarters. Vidarbha's batting line-up includes run-getters like experienced Dhruv Shorey and youngster Yash Rathod.

On the other hand, Maharashtra will enter the semifinals after overcoming Punjab by 70 runs in their quarter-final clash. Despite captain Ruturaj Gaikwad's struggles this season, with only 187 runs from six matches, young all-rounders Arshin Kulkarni and Ankeet Bawne have stepped up. Kulkarni's century on List A debut against Punjab and Mukesh Choudhary’s bowling has been crucial in Maharashtra’s stint so far. 

Match Details

Pitch Report

The surface at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara provides decent assistance for both batters and bowlers. The team winning the toss may decide to bat first. The new ball might swing around for a few overs in the second innings, and the opening batters will have to show some patience.