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Aaqib Dar's Sensational Century Powers J&K to Miraculous Vijay Hazare Win

Aaqib Dar played a heroic, match-winning innings of 114 not out from 82 deliveries to pull Jammu and Kashmir from the brink of defeat at 90 for 7 to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Hyderabad. He shared a record unbroken 182-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Vanshaj Sharma, who made 69*. Earlier, Hyderabad posted a competitive total powered by Rahul Singh Gahlaut and Aman Rao, but their bowlers and fielders could not stop Dar's onslaught. This remarkable comeback underlines Dar's rising stature in domestic cricket.

Key Points: Aaqib Dar Century Leads J&K to Dramatic Vijay Hazare Trophy Victory

  • Aaqib Dar scored 114* off 82 balls
  • J&K won from 90/7 chasing 250+
  • 182-run 8th-wicket stand with Vanshaj Sharma
  • Hyderabad's short-ball strategy initially worked
  • Dar's maiden List A hundred came in 65 balls
2 min read

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Aaqib Dar century powers J&K to dramatic win over Hyderabad

Aaqib Dar's unbeaten 114 off 82 balls scripts a stunning 3-wicket win for J&K over Hyderabad from 90/7 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

"Dar produced a sensational unbeaten century to script a stunning turnaround - Match Report"

Rajkot, Jan 8

Aaqib Dar produced a sensational unbeaten century to script a stunning turnaround as Jammu and Kashmir pulled off a thrilling three-wicket victory over Hyderabad in their final Group B match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground C in Rajkot on Thursday.

Chasing a big total, J&K scripted a miraculous escape from a precarious position of 90/7 as Dar stood tall with a remarkable unbeaten 114 off 82 balls, smashing 10 fours and seven sixes. He forged a record-breaking, unbroken 182-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Vanshaj Sharma, who remained not out on 69 as they guided Jammu and Kashmir to victory with 13 balls left.

Hyderabad appeared firmly in control early in the chase as skipper C.V. Milind and Mohammed Siraj exploited the pace and bounce on offer. The short-ball strategy worked effectively, with the duo picking up two wickets each and reducing Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to a disastrous position.

However, Dar countered the pressure with calculated aggression, particularly against the spinners, using his reach and timing to clear the midwicket and long-on boundaries. As the partnership grew, Hyderabad struggled to regain control, with three dropped catches further adding to their woes. Dar brought up his maiden List A hundred in just 65 balls and showed his fighting spirit to the world.

Earlier, Hyderabad posted a competitive total after being put in to bat. Rahul Singh Gahlaut set the tone with 56 off 36 balls, while Aman Rao added a patient 60. K. Nitesh Reddy anchored the lower-order with an unbeaten 54 to ensure Hyderabad completed their full quota of 50 overs and crossed the 250-run mark.

The Jammu and Kashmir bowlers were let down by fielding lapses, conceding several chances, but Dar's heroics with the bat ensured those errors did not prove costly.

Dar's innings not only rescued Jammu and Kashmir from defeat but also delivered one of the most memorable comebacks of the tournament, underlining his growing stature in the domestic circuit.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
A record 8th wicket partnership of 182! Simply mind-blowing. Dar and Vanshaj Sharma showed amazing temperament. Hyderabad's fielding let them down badly though. Three dropped catches in a tight chase is criminal at this level.
R
Rohit P
Maiden List A hundred in just 65 balls under that pressure? Wah! This innings should put Dar on the national selectors' radar. We need such fearless finishers in the Indian team. Hope he keeps performing.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living abroad, it's thrilling to read about these performances. The depth in Indian domestic cricket is insane. A match-winning century from number 8? Unreal. Makes me wish the Vijay Hazare Trophy was streamed more widely internationally.
V
Vikram M
Fantastic win for J&K! 🎉 But let's be honest, the article glosses over our bowling and fielding issues. Conceding 250+ and dropping catches won't win you many games. Dar bailed the team out single-handedly today. The bowlers need to reflect.
K
Karthik V
This is the kind of cricket that inspires kids in smaller states. J&K showing they can compete with the big boys. Dar's innings is a masterclass in chasing. Calculated aggression against spin, perfect. Hope he gets an IPL look-in.

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