Shardul Thakur Powers Mumbai to Nine-Wicket Win Over Chhattisgarh in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur delivered a commanding all-round performance to lead his side to a dominant nine-wicket victory over Chhattisgarh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group A match at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground in Jaipur on December 29, 2025. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first under helpful early morning conditions, Thakur exploited the seam movement and bounce to devastating effect, dismantling Chhattisgarh's top order with a fiery four-wicket burst that left the opposition reeling at 10 for 4 within the first five overs. The collapse set the tone for Mumbai's complete dominance, completing a hat-trick of group-stage wins and strengthening their position in the tournament.

Chhattisgarh never recovered from the initial onslaught, as Thakur's precise swing and seam bowling, supported by disciplined spells from the Mumbai attack, restricted the innings to a modest 142 in 38.1 overs. The Mumbai skipper finished with figures of 4 wickets for a low cost, showcasing his ability to swing the new ball effectively and maintain pressure throughout. The rest of the bowling unit complemented his efforts, ensuring no partnerships could develop and wrapping up the innings well before the 40-over mark. This was Mumbai's third consecutive victory in the group stage, highlighting their strong form and depth as they push toward the knockout rounds.

In reply, Mumbai chased down the target with ease, losing just one wicket while cruising to victory. Openers provided a solid platform, and the middle order ensured a clinical finish, reflecting the confidence and composure that has defined their campaign so far. Thakur's leadership was evident not only in his bowling but also in his tactical decisions, including the early use of pace and field placements that stifled Chhattisgarh's scoring opportunities. The win further cements Mumbai's reputation as one of the powerhouses in domestic limited-overs cricket, with Thakur emerging as a pivotal figure in both strategy and execution.

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The performance comes at a crucial time for Shardul Thakur, who has been working to regain form and consistency across formats after a challenging period in international cricket. His match-winning display in the Vijay Hazare Trophy serves as a strong statement to selectors ahead of potential white-ball opportunities while also boosting Mumbai's momentum in a highly competitive tournament. As the group stage progresses, Mumbai will look to build on this comprehensive victory to secure a top position and carry forward their winning streak into the business end of the competition.

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