Domestic heavyweights Punjab thrashed Nagaland by nine wickets in a Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023, Group E match at Mumbai's iconic Brabourne Stadium on Sunday. After dismissing the minnows for a paltry 75 all out in 20.1 overs, the two-time runners-up chased down the target in just 25 legal deliveries. (Points Table | Cricket News)
Indian Premier League star Prabhsimran Singh, who opened the innings with Abhishek Sharma (four off four) remained unbeaten on 44 as Punjab reached the target with 45.5 overs to spare -- the biggest win by balls in India's List A (50 Overs) cricket history. During his 14-ball-knock, the Punjab Kings wicketkeeper-batter hit six fours and three sixes. Ramandeep Singh was unbeaten on 27 off seven (two fours and three sixes).
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For Nagaland, Chopise Hopongkyu did strike in the third over to give a glimmer of hope. But the onslaught from Punjab batters meant that the three bowlers used by skipper Rongsen Jonathan returned with figures in excess of 15 an over -- Hopongkyu (1/31 in 2), Nagaho Chishi (0/41 in 2) and Khrievitso Kense (0/4 in 0.1).
Earlier, Punjab skipper Mandeep Singh won the toss and opted to bowl first. Siddarth Kaul claimed a five-wicket haul, his second on the trot, as only three Nagaland batters reached double-digit scores. Baltej Singh and Mayank Markande registered figures of 3/20 and 2/16, respectively.
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The win helped Punjab, who lost the final in the 2014-15 (Karnataka) and 2002-03 (vs Tamil Nadu) Vijay Hazare Trophy editions, move to fourth place in Group E with eight points from five matches. Bengal (16 points from five matches) lead the seven-team group on net run rate. Tamil Nadu (16 from five) and Madhya Pradesh (16 from six) are second and third, respectively. Baroda (eight from five) and Goa (four from five) are the other teams. Winless Nagaland are rooted at the bottom of the table.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy is India's premier 50-over cricket tournament competed by states, union territories, regional and organisational associations approved by the BCCI. The 2023 edition features 38 teams and is being played from November 23 to December 15, with knockout matches in Ahmedabad.
The 38 teams are divided into five groups. Saurashtra are the defending champions. Five-time champions Tamil Nadu are the most successful team in the history of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Started in the 1993–94 season as a zonal tournament (Ranji One-Day Trophy), it became a national tournament starting 2002-03. In 2007, it was renamed in honour of legendary all-rounder Vijay Hazare.
