Shahbaz Ahmed stars as Bengal pull off joint third-highest chase in Vijay Hazare Trophy history

Bengal started their Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite campaign on a winning note, registering an impressive three-wicket victory over Vidarbha in Rajkot. After being asked to bat, Vidarbha scored a mammoth 382 for five in their 50 overs.

Vibarbha's batting against Bengal

Dhruv Shorey was the highest run-getter, smashing 136, and on the other hand, A. Mokhade supported him well with a solid 110. The Bengal bowlers found it tough on a flat pitch, though Mohammed Shami and Aamir Gani managed to pick up two wickets each. Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar also featured in Bengal’s attack as the pace trio returned together.

Bengal's chase

Chasing such a big target was never going to be easy, but Bengal’s batters rose to the challenge. Bengal managed to score 383 for seven in 48.5 overs, showing calm and teamwork throughout the chase.

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Skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran gave Bengal the perfect start with a fluent 71 off 67 balls, while Abishek Porel played an aggressive knock of 56 from just 35 deliveries. The opening duo stitched a stand for more than 100 runs, setting a strong base for the chase. Sudip Kumar Gharami kept the momentum going with a quick 68 off 49 balls, and Anustup Majumdar chipped in with a handy 33.

With the pressure building in the final overs, Shahbaz Ahmed and Akash Deep held their nerve. Shahbaz played a match-winning innings of 71 off 58 balls, while Akash Deep finished things off with an unbeaten 38 from 24 deliveries to take Bengal over the line. Shahbaz was awarded player of the match for his all-round performance against Vidarbha. 

Joint third-highest chase

Bengal's 383 run-chase is the joint third-highest in Vijay Hazare Trophy history. Only Karnataka’s record-breaking 413 against Jharkhand earlier in the day and Andhra’s 384 against Goa in 2012 sit above it.

This successful chase of 383 now stands as the joint third-highest in Vijay Hazare Trophy history. Only Karnataka’s record-breaking 413 against Jharkhand earlier in the day and Andhra’s 384 against Goa in 2012 sit above it, underlining just how special Bengal’s win was.