The stage is all set for a blockbuster finale in this year’s Vijay Hazare Trophy as the competitors are now locked in. On one side stands Haryana, reaching for their first-ever title, and on the other, Rajasthan, back in the final’s limelight after 17 long years. The clash is set for Saturday, December 16, and will witness two teams that have yet to face defeat go head-to-head.
The road to the final was anything but easy, especially for Rajasthan, who pulled off an extraordinary victory against the experienced four-time champions, Karnataka, in the semi-final. The hero of the match, Rajasthan’s captain Deepak Hooda turned in a performance that will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for years to come. It was a Deepak Hooda special, indeed, that paved their path to glory.
The onset of the semi-final for Rajasthan was tumultuous as their opening pair was dismissed within the span of the first 8 balls. The early shock did little to deter Hooda, who had different plans. He made his way to the crease with the scoreboard at a daunting 1-2. The situation turned even more dire as Rajasthan soon found themselves at 23-3 with Mahipal Lomror also returning to the pavilion.
However, what followed was an absolute masterclass in batting. Hooda, alongside Karan Lamba, began reconstructing the innings with a calm strategy, patiently working the ball around and biding their time till the 19th over. With the required run rate creeping upwards, Hooda released the shackles. The 20th over marked the beginning of an assault, and Hooda’s bat spoke in powerful tongues; boundaries flew in swift succession against any bowler unfortunate enough to step into his realm – be it Vyshak Vijaykumar, J Suchith, Krishnappa Gowtham, or the Karnataka pacers.
Rajasthan supporters watched in awe as Hooda brought up a captivating century from just 85 balls. Lamba, though the quieter partner, completed his half-century, providing the crucial support that enabled Hooda to unleash his fury. Post his hundred, Hooda shifted gear into an overdrive mode, fetching 79 runs off just 43 balls, propelling Rajasthan to the cusp of victory. It was a career-best knock for Hooda, and he nearly saw his team through, falling just five runs short of the target himself.
The curtain on the chase was brought down by Lamba, who remained unbeaten on 73, ensuring a Rajasthan victory that few could have predicted when the side was struggling early on. The partnership and especially Hooda’s innings highlighted the unpredictability and magic that cricket embodies.
Deepak Hooda’s heroics in the semi-final weren’t an isolated incident this season. His form has been remarkable, with two centuries and two fifties under his belt, his innings in the semi-final being the zenith and the finest a Rajasthan batter has carved out in List-A cricket. His performances send out a message to the national selectors, as India is currently in search of batters who can deliver with both the willow and the ball.
This impressive run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has reignited Rajasthan’s hopes of securing the coveted trophy after their long hiatus from the finals. On the other side, Haryana will be equally determined to clinch their maiden title. The battle lines are drawn, and two undefeated sides will take to the field, both carrying not just their hopes but the aspirations of their supporters.
The countdown to this anticipated final has begun. Hooda, coming off the back of this exceptional knock, will look to lead his side one final time this season. For cricket aficionados, a spectacle awaits as Rajasthan and Haryana stand on the verge of scripting their piece of history in the annals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.