In a display of sheer dominance that left no room for doubt, Punjab didn’t just beat Madhya Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy quarterfinal—they dismantled them. By a staggering margin of **183 runs**, Punjab announced themselves as serious contenders for the 2026 domestic one-day title, storming into the semifinals with a performance that blended explosive batting and clinical bowling .
Batting first at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, Punjab posted a mammoth 345/6 in their 50 overs—a total that proved insurmountable for a Madhya Pradesh side missing its usual composure. The victory wasn’t just about numbers; it was a statement of intent from a team hungry for silverware.
Table of Contents
- How Punjab Built a Formidable Total
- Prabhsimran Singh’s Captain’s Knock
- Madhya Pradesh’s Collapse in the Chase
- Sanvir Singh’s Match-Winning Spell
- What This Means for the Vijay Hazare Trophy Semifinals
- Historical Context: Punjab’s VHT Journey
- Key Takeaways and Player Ratings
- Sources
How Punjab Built a Formidable Total
Punjab’s innings was a textbook example of balanced aggression. Openers laid a solid foundation, but it was the middle order that turned promising into punishing. After losing an early wicket, the team accelerated seamlessly through partnerships that never allowed MP’s bowlers to settle.
The scoring rate hovered around 6.9 runs per over—a controlled yet relentless pace. Crucially, Punjab lost only six wickets, ensuring they maximized their final 10 overs. They added 98 runs in the death phase (overs 41–50), showcasing depth and power-hitting ability rarely seen in domestic cricket .
Prabhsimran Singh’s Captain’s Knock
Captain Prabhsimran Singh led by example, anchoring the innings with a composed yet aggressive 88 off just 97 balls. His knock included 10 boundaries and 2 sixes, blending elegance with intent. More importantly, he rotated strike intelligently and accelerated when needed—exactly what a top-order batter must do in a knockout game.
Having represented India A and played in the IPL for Punjab Kings, Prabhsimran’s experience shone through. He wasn’t just scoring runs; he was dictating the tempo and shielding younger batters from pressure. His dismissal in the 38th over briefly threatened to stall momentum—but the lower order ensured the innings ended with a flourish.
Madhya Pradesh’s Collapse in the Chase
Chasing 346 is never easy—but Madhya Pradesh made it look impossible. Their innings unraveled within the first 10 overs, losing three key wickets for just 32 runs. Star batter Venkatesh Iyer, who has been in sublime form this season, fell cheaply to a sharp delivery that nipped back in.
From there, panic set in. Batters either played reckless shots or froze under pressure. No MP player crossed 35 runs. The team was eventually bowled out for a paltry **162** in the 42nd over—ending their campaign in humiliating fashion. For a side that topped their group, this collapse raises serious questions about their temperament in high-stakes games.
Sanvir Singh’s Match-Winning Spell
While Punjab’s batting stole headlines, it was Sanvir Singh who delivered the knockout punch with the ball. The right-arm medium pacer returned figures of **3/28 in 8 overs**, including two crucial breakthroughs in his opening spell.
His ability to swing the new ball both ways troubled MP’s top order, and his control in the middle overs prevented any recovery. Supported ably by Harpreet Brar (2/31) and Siddharth Kaul (2/24), Sanvir ensured Punjab’s bowling attack operated like a well-oiled machine.
This performance cements Sanvir’s case as one of India’s most promising all-round talents—a player who could soon be on the national selectors’ radar .
What This Means for the Vijay Hazare Trophy Semifinals
With this win, Punjab joins the elite four in the Vijay Hazare Trophy semifinals, where they’ll face stiff competition from teams like Tamil Nadu, Mumbai, or Karnataka—depending on other results. But after this commanding display, few would bet against them.
What makes Punjab dangerous is their balance: a deep batting lineup, versatile bowling options, and leadership that stays calm under pressure. If they replicate even 80% of this performance in the semis, they’ll be hard to stop.
Historical Context: Punjab’s VHT Journey
Punjab has never won the Vijay Hazare Trophy since its inception in 2002–03. Their best finish came in 2022–23, when they reached the final but lost to Saurashtra. This current squad, however, appears more complete—blending youth (like Yuvraj Chaudhary) with experienced campaigners (Abhishek Sharma, Mandeep Singh).
According to the BCCI’s official records, Punjab’s 345 is their second-highest total in a knockout VHT match, underscoring their growing confidence in high-pressure scenarios .
Key Takeaways and Player Ratings
Top Performers:
- Prabhsimran Singh (Punjab): 88 runs – 9/10
- Sanvir Singh (Punjab): 3/28 – 9.5/10
- Harpreet Brar (Punjab): 2/31 – 8/10
- MP Top Scorer: Shubham Sharma (34) – 5/10
Key Insight: Punjab’s win wasn’t fluke—it was execution. From field placements to running between wickets, every detail was optimized. In contrast, MP looked disjointed, suggesting poor preparation or tactical missteps.
Conclusion
Punjab’s 183-run demolition of Madhya Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy quarterfinal wasn’t just a win—it was a warning shot to every other semifinalist. With Prabhsimran Singh in sublime form and bowlers like Sanvir Singh firing, they’ve emerged as the team to beat. As the tournament heads into its business end, all eyes will be on whether Punjab can finally lift their maiden VHT title.
Sources
- [1] Times of India: Punjab crush MP by 183 runs; storm into semis
- [2] ESPNcricinfo: Punjab vs Madhya Pradesh – Live Scorecard
- [3] BCCI: Vijay Hazare Trophy Records and Stats