From 90/7 to Victory: How Jammu & Kashmir's No.8 & No.9 Scripted Vijay Hazare Trophy's Greatest Lower-Order Heist
When Jammu & Kashmir collapsed to 90/7 chasing Hyderabad's 268 in the 2025/26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, the scoreboard told a story of impending defeat. What followed was a record-shattering resurrection by No.8 Auqib Nabi (114*) and No.9 Vanshaj Sharma (69*), who engineered the highest eighth-wicket partnership in Vijay Hazare Trophy history - an unbeaten 182-run stand that secured an improbable victory with 13 balls to spare.
The Impossible Chase
Hyderabad's bowlers had dominated early, reducing J&K to 90/7 in 22.3 overs. Nabi walked in with his team needing 179 runs from 27.3 overs alongside tailenders. What unfolded was a masterclass in crisis management:
The Resurrection Blueprint:
- Overs 23-35: Nabi-Sharma stabilized with 45 singles/doubles (RR: 4.5)
- Overs 36-40: Targeted spinners with 4 sixes (48 runs added)
- Final Assault: Hammered 89 runs in last 7.5 overs (RR: 11.4)
Nabi's maiden professional century (114* off 82 balls) featured 10 fours and 7 sixes, while Sharma's 69* came off 78 deliveries. Their calculated aggression against Hyderabad's death bowling - particularly against left-arm spinner Tanay Thyagarajan (0/60 in 8 overs) and pacer Kartikeya Kak (0/55 in 7.5 overs) - exposed critical gaps in Hyderabad's defensive strategies. Earlier, Nabi had bowled a crucial 10-over spell of 3/56 to restrict Hyderabad.
IPL Scouts Take Note
The partnership has significant implications for IPL talent spotting:
1. Auqib Nabi (24 years): Showcased rare all-round credentials (3/56 with ball + match-winning century)
2. Vanshaj Sharma (22 years): Demonstrated temperament under extreme pressure
"This wasn't blind hitting," noted a national selector present at the ground. "They manipulated fields, targeted weaker bowlers, and ran brilliantly between wickets - exactly the skills IPL teams covet."
Gaikwad Answers Selectors With History
While J&K's heist dominated headlines, Ruturaj Gaikwad made quiet history days after being dropped from India's ODI squad against New Zealand. His fighting 134* against Goa:
- Equaled Ankit Bawne's record of 15 Vijay Hazare Trophy centuries
- Achieved the feat in just 59 matches (vs Bawne's 101)
- Took his tournament average to 82.60 this season
The innings came through Maharashtra's collapse (249/7) in Jaipur, with Vicky Otswal contributing a valuable 53. His knock included eight fours and six sixes, showcasing the technical range that makes him a strong IPL retention candidate.
Sarfaraz's Record-Breaking Blitz in Vain
Mumbai's Sarfaraz Khan lit up the Punjab clash with fireworks:
- Fastest Vijay Hazare fifty by Indian (15 balls)
- 30 runs in one Abhishek Sharma over (3 fours + 3 sixes)
- 62 off 20 balls (SR: 310.00) with 7 fours and 5 sixes
Despite his pyrotechnics, Mumbai fell one run short of Punjab's 216, collapsing from 215/6 to 215 all out against Mayank Markande (4/31) and Gurnoor Brar (4/57) in a dramatic final over. Sarfaraz's effort broke the previous Indian List A record held by Abhijit Kale and Atit Sheth (16-ball fifties).
Hardik-Jadeja Showcase World-Class Credentials
India stars made compelling cases for T20 World Cup selection:
Hardik Pandya (Baroda):
- 75 off 31 balls (9 sixes) vs Chandigarh
- Followed with 3/66 in 10 overs including key wickets
Supported by Rasikh Salam's 2/22, Baroda restricted Chandigarh to 242 despite Shivam Bambhari's century.
Ravindra Jadeja (Saurashtra):
- 52* off 39 balls in batting effort
- 3/62 with ball against Gujarat
Jadeja's performance complemented Vishvaraj Jadeja's century (112 off 103) and Harvik Desai's 82 in Saurashtra's 145-run victory.
Emerging Talent Watch
Zeeshan Ansari (UP): The SRH spinner took 3/33 against Bengal, becoming joint-highest wicket-taker (21 scalps @14.33)
Dhruv Jurel (UP): Scored 123 off 96 balls, maintaining 93.00 average this season with 558 runs at 122.90 strike rate
Edhen Apple Tom (Kerala): Took 6/46 against Tamil Nadu - best figures of round seven
Samarth R (Vidarbha): Anchored with 94* off 76 balls against Assam
Tournament Standings Update
As teams enter the knockout phase:
- Group A: Karnataka & Madhya Pradesh lead
- Group B: UP & Vidarbha dominate
- Group C: Punjab & Mumbai qualify
- Group D: Delhi & Saurashtra progress
What This Means for Domestic Cricket
The Vijay Hazare Trophy continues to be Indian cricket's most reliable talent incubator:
1. Depth Development: Nabi-Sharma partnership proves India's lower-order batting reserves
2. IPL Impact: 14 players from current VHT top performers already have IPL contracts
3. World Cup Pipeline: Hardik/Jadeja performances validate comeback timelines
These performances have reshaped tournament dynamics, with Nabi and Sharma's heist standing as testament to domestic cricket's unmatched capacity for producing unforgettable narratives under pressure. The knockout stage promises more fireworks as established stars and emerging talents collide.
