Saurashtra vs Punjab Semi Final 2 – Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 Scorecard & Match Analysis
The second semi-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite 2026 delivered an exciting contest between Saurashtra and Punjab at the BCCI COE Ground 1 in Bengaluru. The match saw a brilliant batting display from Saurashtra, who successfully chased down a competitive total of 291 runs to secure a dominant 9-wicket victory.
Punjab posted 291 runs in 50 overs, setting a challenging target. However, Saurashtra responded with a spectacular batting performance, reaching 293/1 in just 39.3 overs. The chase was powered by a magnificent century from Vishvarajsinh Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 165.
Match Result: Saurashtra defeated Punjab by 9 wickets and qualified for the Vijay Hazare Trophy Final.
Match Summary – Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 Semi Final
| Match | Venue | Date | Toss | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saurashtra vs Punjab – Semi Final 2 | BCCI COE Ground 1, Bengaluru | 16 January 2026 | Saurashtra chose to field | Saurashtra won by 9 wickets |
Saurashtra Batting Scorecard – Vijay Hazare Trophy
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H Desai (c & wk) | 64 | 63 | 9 | 0 | 101.59 |
| Vishvarajsinh Jadeja | 165* | 127 | 18 | 3 | 129.92 |
| Prerak Mankad | 52* | 49 | 7 | 0 | 106.12 |
| Total | 293/1 (39.3 Overs) | ||||
Punjab Bowling Performance
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gurnoor Brar | 7 | 52 | 1 | 7.43 |
| Sukhdeep Bajwa | 9 | 70 | 0 | 7.78 |
| Krish Bhagat | 6 | 53 | 0 | 8.83 |
| Sanvir Singh | 5 | 29 | 0 | 5.80 |
| Mayank Markande | 6 | 36 | 0 | 6.00 |
| Ramandeep Singh | 3 | 27 | 0 | 9.00 |
| Naman Dhir | 3.3 | 20 | 0 | 5.71 |
Partnerships
| Players | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| H Desai & Vishvarajsinh Jadeja | 167 | 138 |
| Vishvarajsinh Jadeja & Prerak Mankad | 121* | 101 |
Vijay Hazare Trophy Semi Final 2 Match Overview
The Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Semi Final 2 between Saurashtra and Punjab was a high-quality encounter showcasing the strength of Indian domestic cricket. Punjab batted first and posted a competitive total of 291 runs, which usually proves challenging in knockout matches. However, Saurashtra produced an outstanding batting performance to chase down the target comfortably.
The chase was dominated by Vishvarajsinh Jadeja, whose unbeaten 165 runs turned the match heavily in Saurashtra’s favor. His innings included aggressive stroke play, excellent placement, and superb timing. Alongside him, captain H Desai provided a solid start while Prerak Mankad finished the chase with confidence.
The match highlighted the depth of Saurashtra’s batting lineup and their ability to perform under pressure in knockout stages of major tournaments.
Saurashtra’s Dominant Batting Performance – Vijay Hazare Trophy
Saurashtra’s batting display in the semi-final was one of the most impressive performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 season. Chasing 291 runs in a knockout game requires composure and aggressive intent, both of which were displayed perfectly by the Saurashtra batters.
Vishvarajsinh Jadeja led the charge with an extraordinary unbeaten innings of 165 runs from 127 balls. His innings featured 18 boundaries and three sixes, reflecting his ability to score freely across the field.
Captain H Desai played a vital supporting role with a well-constructed 64 runs. His partnership with Jadeja laid the foundation for the successful chase. After Desai’s dismissal, Prerak Mankad joined Jadeja and the duo completed the chase comfortably.
Punjab’s First Innings Performance – Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026
Punjab’s innings of 291 runs was a respectable total considering the pressure of a semi-final match. The team showed good batting depth and managed to build partnerships throughout the innings.
Their middle order contributed important runs which helped them reach a competitive total. However, against a strong batting lineup like Saurashtra, even a total close to 300 was not enough.
Despite their efforts, Punjab bowlers struggled to contain the aggressive approach of Saurashtra batters during the chase.
Player of the Match – Vishvarajsinh Jadeja
Vishvarajsinh Jadeja was undoubtedly the star performer of the match. His unbeaten 165-run innings was a masterclass in ODI batting. Jadeja displayed excellent shot selection, rotating the strike efficiently while also hitting boundaries at regular intervals.
His ability to maintain a strike rate above 120 throughout the innings ensured that Saurashtra stayed ahead of the required run rate during the chase.
Because of his match-winning contribution, Jadeja was named Player of the Match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Semi Final 2.
Key Moments That Decided the Match
Several crucial moments played a role in determining the outcome of this semi-final match. The first major turning point was the strong opening partnership between H Desai and Vishvarajsinh Jadeja.
Their 167-run partnership provided the perfect start for Saurashtra’s chase and removed early pressure from the batting lineup.
Another important moment was Jadeja’s acceleration during the middle overs, which ensured that the required run rate remained under control.
These moments ultimately allowed Saurashtra to chase down the target comfortably with more than 10 overs remaining.
Pitch Report – BCCI COE Ground Bengaluru Vijay Hazare Trophy
The pitch at BCCI COE Ground 1 in Bengaluru is known for providing excellent batting conditions. The surface generally offers consistent bounce and allows batters to play their shots freely.
In this semi-final match, the pitch behaved exactly as expected, allowing both teams to score freely. Punjab’s total of 291 and Saurashtra’s chase of 293 clearly demonstrate that the surface was highly batting-friendly.
Fast bowlers received minimal assistance from the pitch, while spinners had limited impact as well.
Saurashtra’s Road to the Final – Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026
With this victory over Punjab, Saurashtra successfully qualified for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 Final. Their consistent performances throughout the tournament played a major role in their journey to the final stage.
The team displayed strong teamwork, disciplined bowling, and aggressive batting strategies during the knockout stages.
Players like Vishvarajsinh Jadeja, Prerak Mankad, and H Desai played key roles in ensuring Saurashtra’s success in the tournament.
Impact of the Semi Final on the Tournament
This semi-final match significantly shaped the outcome of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 tournament. Saurashtra’s dominant win proved their strength as a serious title contender.
Their confident performance in chasing a large total boosted the team’s momentum ahead of the final match.
Matches like this highlight the competitiveness of India’s domestic cricket system and showcase emerging talents capable of performing on bigger stages.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite • Semi Final 2
Saurashtra vs Punjab
Saurashtra won by 9 Wickets (Qualified)
Punjab
291 (50.0 Ov)
Saurashtra
293/1 (39.3 Ov)
Saurashtra Innings
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H Desai (C)(WK) c Naman Dhir b Gurnoor Brar | 64 | 63 | 9 | 0 | 101.59 |
| Vishvarajsinh Jadeja not out | 165 | 127 | 18 | 3 | 129.92 |
| Prerak Mankad not out | 52 | 49 | 7 | 0 | 106.12 |
Punjab Bowling
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECON |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gurnoor Brar | 7.0 | 0 | 52 | 1 | 7.43 |
| Sanvir Singh | 5.0 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 5.80 |
| Mayank Markande | 6.0 | 0 | 36 | 0 | 6.00 |
Player of the Match:Vishvarajsinh Jadeja
Venue:BCCI COE Ground 1, Bengaluru
Toss:Saurashtra (Field)
