The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 has once again delivered spectacular cricketing action, highlighting emerging talents, seasoned performers, and thrilling finishes across India’s domestic circuit. The fifth round of this prestigious List A tournament saw Hardik Pandya smashing an explosive 69-ball century for Baroda, while Devdutt Padikkal continued his impressive run-scoring streak with his fourth century of the season. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson guided Kerala to a dominant victory over Jharkhand with a clinical 101, and Arshdeep Singh’s five-wicket haul powered Punjab to a decisive win.
In this comprehensive round-up, we take a closer look at every match, player performances, and the evolving tournament standings, capturing the excitement of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026.
Kerala vs Jharkhand: Samson & Rohan Lead a Masterclass
Kerala secured a commanding eight-wicket victory over Jharkhand, thanks largely to the stellar performances of Sanju Samson and opener Rohan Kunnummal. Chasing a competitive target of 312, Kerala’s openers stitched an imposing 212-run partnership, setting the foundation for a comfortable chase.
- Sanju Samson: 101 runs off 95 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes
- Rohan Kunnummal: 124 runs off 78 balls
Chasing 312, Kerala reached 244/1 in 32 overs, with Samson and Kunnummal’s partnership demolishing Jharkhand’s bowling line-up. The innings showcased Samson’s impeccable timing and range of strokes, highlighting why he remains one of India’s most dependable domestic performers.
Key Stats: Kerala vs Jharkhand
| Player | Team | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | Kerala | 101 | 95 | 9 | 3 |
| Rohan Kunnummal | Kerala | 124 | 78 | 14 | 5 |
This victory propelled Kerala to three wins from five matches, keeping them in contention for the quarterfinals. Jharkhand, on the other hand, fell to four losses out of five games, emphasizing the critical role of consistent batting performances.
Delhi vs Services: Pant and Ary Shine in a Comfortable Win
Delhi, led by captain Rishabh Pant, secured their fourth win of the tournament, defeating Services by eight wickets in a match dominated by their batting. Services, batting first, managed 178 runs in 42.5 overs, but Delhi’s response was clinical, achieving the target in just 19.4 overs, losing only two wickets.
- Rishabh Pant: 51 runs (half-century)
- Priyansh Arya: 52 runs (half-century)
This win underlined Delhi’s dominance in Elite Group D, demonstrating a fine balance of aggression and composure in their batting order.
Baroda vs Vidarbha: Hardik Pandya Lights Up the Ground
In Rajkot, Hardik Pandya’s explosive innings for Baroda became the talk of the tournament. Chasing a formidable 294 runs, Pandya scored a 69-ball century, featuring an aggressive mix of boundaries and sixes. His innings included a remarkable over against spinner Parth Rekhade, where he hit one four and five sixes, keeping Baroda firmly in the game.
- Hardik Pandya: 133 runs off 69 balls
- Vidarbha: 41.4 overs, 1 wicket lost, but failed to defend 294
Pandya’s innings showcased his trademark power hitting and game awareness, reinforcing his reputation as a match-winner in domestic cricket.
Vijay Hazare Trophy Pandya Moment: Over of Brutality
| Over | Bowler | Runs Scored | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | Parth Rekhade | 29 | 1 | 5 |
By the end of the innings, Baroda reached 216/7 in 39 overs, with Pandya still at the crease, anchoring his team’s charge. This performance not only entertained fans but also highlighted the growing importance of Vijay Hazare Trophy Pandya contributions in the domestic circuit.
Karnataka vs Tripura: Padikkal Keeps the Momentum Going
Karnataka’s Devdutt Padikkal continued his dominant form with a brilliant 108-run century against Tripura, marking his fourth century in five matches this season. Karnataka set a strong total, and Padikkal’s consistency has been vital for their Group A leadership.
Padikkal’s Key Innings Stats:
| Player | Team | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devdutt Padikkal | Karnataka | 108 | – | – | – |
Padikkal’s innings was characterized by aggressive stroke play and calculated risk-taking, demonstrating why he remains one of the most reliable top-order batsmen in domestic cricket.
Read also: Virat Kohli Vijay Hazare Trophy Match: How His Domestic Performances Shaped a One-Day Legend
Other Notable Centuries
The fifth round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy produced several eye-catching centuries from players across the country:
| Player | Team | Runs | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhimanyu Eshwar | Bengal | 102 | Assam |
| Hardik Pandya | Baroda | 133 | Vidarbha |
| Akshar Patel | Gujarat | 130 | Andhra Pradesh |
| Tilak Varma | Hyderabad | 109 | Chandigarh |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Karnataka | 108 | Tripura |
| Sanju Samson | Kerala | 101 | Jharkhand |
| Rohan Kunnummal | Kerala | 124 | Jharkhand |
These innings highlight the depth of talent in India’s domestic circuit, and the rising stars who may soon stake claims for national selection.
Punjab vs Sikkim: Arshdeep Singh’s 5-Wicket Haul-Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026
Punjab demonstrated their bowling might as Arshdeep Singh claimed five wickets in just 10 overs, restricting Sikkim to a modest total of 75 runs. Punjab chased the target with ease, winning by 10 wickets in the 7th over.
- Prabhsimran Singh: 53 off 26 balls (quick-fire innings)
- Arshdeep Singh: 5 wickets for 34 runs
Match Summary: Punjab vs Sikkim
| Player | Performance | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Prabhsimran Singh | 53 runs (26b) | Punjab |
| Arshdeep Singh | 5 wickets | Punjab |
This emphatic win reinforced Punjab’s growing dominance and highlighted Arshdeep’s wicket-taking capabilities under pressure.
