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Headline: Verma, Patel Smash Centuries in Vijay Hazare Trophy
New Delhi: Tilak Verma of Hyderabad and Axar Patel of Gujarat both struck brilliant centuries in their respective Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 matches today, powering their teams to competitive scores.
Verma’s knock of 109 came against Chandigarh. Batting first, Hyderabad found themselves in early trouble at 25/1. Verma then steadied the ship, forging a crucial 114-run partnership for the third wicket with Abhirath Reddy (71). He continued to build partnerships with other batsmen before eventually falling as the sixth wicket, having struck 6 fours and 3 sixes in his 118-ball innings.
Meanwhile, in Gujarat’s match against Andhra Pradesh, Axar Patel notched his maiden List-A century, scoring a blistering 130. Gujarat also faced early setbacks, slumping to 29/3. Patel then combined with Vishal Jaiswal (70) for a 142-run sixth-wicket stand, rescuing the innings. He accelerated later in the innings, hitting 10 fours and 5 sixes in his 111-ball stay at the crease.
Verma, who debuted in List A cricket in 2019, now boasts 1,833 runs in 46 matches at an average of over 45 and a strike rate exceeding 90. This was his sixth List-A century, adding to his 10 half-centuries.
For Axar Patel, this century marks a significant milestone in his List A career, which began in 2012. He now has 2,881 runs in 171 matches with an average of over 30 and striking above 94, with 12 half-centuries in addition to his maiden century. A handy bowler as well, Patel has also taken 203 wickets in 163 innings.
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