Karnataka vs Vidarbha, 1st Semi-Final Match Summary

The stage is set at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for a high-stakes encounter as defending champions Karnataka take on last year's runners-up Vidarbha in the first semi-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26. This match is a direct rematch of the previous season's final, adding a layer of revenge to an already intense knockout battle. Karnataka entered the knockouts as the team to beat, finishing at the top of Elite Group A. They secured their semi-final berth by defeating heavyweights Mumbai in a rain-curtailed quarter-final. Chasing 255, Karnataka was comfortably placed at 187/1 in 33 overs when play was called off, winning by 55 runs via the VJD method. Their campaign has been defined by a clinical top order and a disciplined bowling attack that rarely allows games to slip away. Vidarbha’s journey has been a testament to their grit. After a do-or-die final league game to qualify, they outclassed Delhi by 76 runs in their quarter-final. Posting a formidable 300/9, they defended it with ease, proving that their run to the final last year was no fluke. They are playing a brand of fearless cricket, led by a balanced mix of veteran stability and youthful exuberance. Devdutt Padikkal is in the form of his life, becoming the first player in history to cross 700 runs in two different Vijay Hazare seasons. He currently averages over 100 in the tournament. To stop him, Vidarbha will rely on Nachiket Bhute, who tore through Delhi’s top order. If Bhute can find early movement in the Bengaluru air, it could be the defining contest of the match. Karnataka starts as the slight favorite due to their big match temperament and Padikkal’s record-breaking run. However, Vidarbha has developed a habit of upsetting the giants, so it should be a very fascinating encounter. Who do you think will clinch the win and storm into the Final?