Ahmedabad, Dec 24 (UNI) Jharkhand captain Ishan Kishan produced one of the most destructive innings in Indian List A cricket, hammering a sensational 125 off just 39 balls, as Jharkhand dominated Karnataka in their Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium B Ground here.
Walking in at No.6 with Jharkhand looking to accelerate in the latter half of the innings, Kishan wasted no time in asserting himself. He struck seven fours and 14 towering sixes, maintaining a staggering strike rate of 320.51. His century, brought up in just 33 balls, stands as the second-fastest List A hundred by an Indian, narrowly behind Sakibul Gani’s 32-ball ton, achieved earlier in the tournament.
The innings was the highlight of a record-setting day in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which also witnessed rapid centuries from Sakibul Gani and 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, reflecting the growing trend of fearless, high-impact batting in Indian domestic cricket.
Asked to bat first, Jharkhand piled up a formidable 412 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. Virat Singh laid a strong foundation with a fluent 88, while Kumar Kushagra added momentum with a brisk 63. However, it was Kishan’s extraordinary late assault that completely changed the complexion of the innings.
Jharkhand amassed 119 runs in the final eight overs, with Kishan single-handedly dismantling the Karnataka bowling attack. He took on both pace and spin with equal authority, repeatedly clearing the ropes and forcing fielding changes with his range of strokes.
Kishan’s knock was marked not only by raw power but also by tactical awareness, as he expertly farmed the strike and maximised scoring opportunities with the tail. His leadership from the middle order ensured Jharkhand capitalised fully on the batting-friendly conditions.
For Karnataka, the bowlers endured a punishing outing, struggling to contain the onslaught in the death overs despite early breakthroughs. The total left them with a daunting chase and little margin for error.
Kishan’s performance has once again drawn attention to his credentials as a match-winner in white-ball cricket. With his ability to adapt roles and dominate under pressure, the innings is expected to reignite debate around his prospects in India’s limited-overs plans, particularly with the T20 World Cup on the horizon.
Jharkhand’s commanding batting display put them firmly in control of the contest, underlining their intent and firepower as the tournament progresses.
Ishan Kishan hammers sensational 39-ball 125 in Vijay Hazare
