Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25: Ruturaj Gaikwad scores unbeaten century to orchestrate Maharashtra’s win

In the 2024 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Maharashtra’s captain Ruturaj Gaikwad led his team to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Services with an incredible 148* off just 74 balls. Gaikwad showed off his batting prowess during the December 23 encounter at the MCA Cricket Ground in BKC, Mumbai.

Maharashtra’s top-order was paced by the fiery Gaikwad, who wasted no time in speeding up his innings as they chased a goal of 205 runs. The foundation had already been laid by his team’s bowlers, who held Services to 204 after Pradeep Dadhe and Satyajeet Bachhav each took three wickets.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who opened the batting with Om Bhosale, reached his half-century in just 27 balls and reached his century in just 57 balls.

At a strike rate of 200, his aggressive style produced 16 boundaries and 11 sixes. Gaikwad and Bhosale’s combination (24 off 20 balls) provided the foundation for Maharashtra’s chase, which saw them reach 86/1 in just 8.2 overs.

Maharashtra reached the finish line in just 20.2 overs thanks to Ruturaj, who also serves as captain of CSK in the Indian Premier League (IPL), who showed no signs of slowing down. His undefeated score of 148 made it quite easy for the team to pursue down the goal.

With the ICC Champions Trophy approaching, selectors may pay close attention to Gaikwad’s performance even though the Indian national side is currently playing Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25.

Players like Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan are building a compelling case for themselves in the present Vijay Hazare Trophy, which serves as a vital selection ground for the Champions Trophy. The selectors will probably continue to consider Gaikwad as they try to assemble a strong team for the coveted tournament because of his game-winning performances, including his record-breaking knock in this encounter.