Haryana Triumphs Over Services; Odisha Shatters Delhi’s Streak in Vijay Hazare 2025-26

Captain Ankit Kumar produced an outstanding performance with an unbeaten 144 (123 balls, 14 fours, 4 sixes), leading Haryana to a seven-wicket victory over Services in a Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group D match at the Alur Grounds on Wednesday.

Pursuing a target of 272, Haryana faced an early setback with the loss of Mayank Shandilya (22). However, Ankit Kumar and Himanshu Rana (64 runs, 69 balls, 7 fours) formed a crucial 150-run partnership for the second wicket. The captain then teamed up with Parth Vats (34 not out, 30 balls, 1 four, 2 sixes) to guide the team to victory.

This victory marked Haryana’s third win out of four matches, while Services suffered their fourth consecutive defeat. Paceman Anshul Kamboj played a significant role, taking four wickets for 43 runs.

For Services, Irfan Ali shone with a century (103 runs, 113 balls, 9 fours, 1 six), and his 139-run stand with Nakul Sharma (72 runs, 74 balls, 3 fours, 5 sixes) rescued the team from a precarious 80 for five. However, despite their efforts, Haryana emerged triumphant.

In another match, Odisha secured a comfortable 79-run victory over Delhi, handing them their first loss of the 2025-26 season. Experienced player Biplab Samantaray top-scored with 72 (74 balls, 3 fours, 4 sixes) as Odisha reached 272 for eight after choosing to bat first.

Delhi, led by Rishabh Pant, managed only 193 runs, with four of their top-six batters, including the in-form Priyansh Arya, dismissed for single-digit scores. Harsh Tyagi (43 runs, 71 balls, 2 fours, 1 six) and Hritik Shokeen (32 runs, 24 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes) offered resistance, with Shokeen also taking four wickets (10 overs, 1 maiden, 27 runs, 4 wickets), yet Odisha clinched their third victory.

In the day’s other encounter, Andhra faced their third defeat of the edition, losing to Saurashtra by 74 runs. Saurashtra posted 254, with contributions from Harvik Desai (61 runs, 81 balls, 7 fours), Chirag Jani (69 runs, 96 balls, 4 fours, 1 six), and Ruchit Ahir (76 runs, 54 balls, 7 fours, 2 sixes).

Andhra could only muster 180 runs, with opener C.R. Gnaneshwar’s 33 being the highest score. Medium-pacer Ankur Pawar excelled, claiming five wickets (10 overs, 2 maidens, 27 runs, 5 wickets), helping Saurashtra get back on track with their second win in four matches.

Published on Dec 31, 2025