Thrill increased in knockout, Maharashtra and Karnataka reached semi-finals

The knockout matches of Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 are continuing with full enthusiasm and excitement. In the two quarter-final matches played on Saturday, January 11, the teams of Maharashtra and Karnataka performed brilliantly and made it to the semi-finals. Now after the two other quarterfinal matches to be played on Sunday, January 12, the remaining two semi-finalist teams will also be decided.

Situation of Saturday’s quarter finals

• Maharashtra vs Punjab:
  • Maharashtra defeated Punjab by 70 runs.
  • Arshin Kulkarni A brilliant century took Maharashtra to a big score.
  • Punjab came under pressure while chasing the target and the team could not score big.
• Karnataka vs Baroda:
  • Karnataka gave a close defeat to Baroda by 5 runs.
  • Devdutt Padikkal Scored an excellent century for Karnataka.
  • of Baroda Shashwat Rawat Also scored a century, but he did not get support from the other end, due to which his team lost.

Sunday’s quarter final matches

1. Gujarat vs Haryana:
   • This match is expected to be very exciting, as Haryana is the defending champion and the team is in great form.
   • The winning team will face Karnataka in the semi-finals.
2. Vidarbha vs Rajasthan:
   • Both the teams have never won this tournament till now.
   • The winning team will play against Maharashtra in the semi-finals.

Schedule of semi-finals and finals

• First Semi-Final: March 15, Vadodara (Karnataka vs Gujarat/Haryana).
• Second Semi-Final: March 16, Vadodara (Maharashtra vs Vidarbha/Rajasthan).
• Final: 18 March, Vadodara.

Vidarbha and Rajasthan: Expected to win the title for the first time

• Both Vidarbha and Rajasthan teams have entered the tournament in the hope of winning the trophy for the first time.
• After Sunday’s quarterfinals, only one of the two teams will have a chance to reach the semi-finals and move closer to the title.

Haryana’s prospects

• Haryana team is the current champion of the tournament and is performing brilliantly this season too.
• If Haryana beats Gujarat, they will have a tough challenge against Karnataka in the semi-finals.

Saturday’s star player

• Arshin Kulkarni (Maharashtra): Strong century, which took the team to a big score.
• Devdutt Padikkal (Karnataka): His excellent innings led the team to a thrilling win.
• Shashwat Rawat (Baroda): Brilliant century, but could not lead the team to victory.