Delhi vs Andhra — A High-Octane Affair in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025
The 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy got off to a dramatic start on December 24, 2025, with an enthralling Elite Group D clash between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Wisden
Buildup and Venue Drama
The match was one of the most talked-about fixtures even before the first ball was bowled — not just for the cricket that was expected, but also because it marked the return of India superstar Virat Kohli to domestic List A cricket after over a decade. mint
Originally scheduled at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, concerns over stadium safety and compliance led authorities to move the match to the BCCI Centre of Excellence and play it behind closed doors. NDTV Special Projects+1 Fans were disappointed that Kohli’s appearance couldn’t be witnessed live in front of a crowd, but the anticipation still made this a key talking point to kick off the tournament.
The Match: Andhra Sets a Competitive Total
Winning the toss, Andhra Pradesh opted to bat first and posted a strong total of 298/8 in their 50 overs. NDTV Sports
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Ricky Bhui was the standout batter for Andhra, smashing a brilliant 122 off 105 balls to anchor the innings and keep his side in the contest. NDTV Sports
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Other contributions helped Andhra reach a challenging total that would test even the best chases in the competition.
The total of 298 underlined Andhra’s batting depth and ensured Delhi had their work cut out for them.
Delhi’s Chase and Kohli’s Masterclass
Chasing a near-300 target, Delhi began steadily but soon gained momentum thanks to key partnerships:
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Virat Kohli delivered one of the innings of the tournament so far — a majestic 131 off 101 balls, combining technique, timing, and maturity as he paced the chase superbly. DT Next
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Nitish Rana (77) and Priyansh Arya (74) provided explosive support, sharing pivotal stands that tilted the matchup in Delhi’s favor. DT Next
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Simarjeet Singh was Delhi’s Player of the Match for his bowling, finishing with impressive figures of 5/54, stifling Andhra at crucial junctures. Wisden
Delhi chased down the target in 37.4 overs, finishing on 300/6 and securing a comprehensive 4-wicket victory. NDTV Sports
What This Means for Both Teams
Delhi
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A dominant start to the Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign boosts Delhi’s momentum and confidence.
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Kohli’s return to domestic cricket and a massive hundred adds experience and belief in the batting unit going forward.
Andhra Pradesh
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Despite the loss, Andhra’s batting showed resilience — Bhui’s ton was world-class and suggests competitive potential in the group.
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Bowling lacked the final execution to defend a big total.
Looking Ahead
The result gives Delhi early control in Elite Group D, while Andhra will look to bounce back strongly in their next fixture. Both sides will be aiming to accumulate points as the tournament progresses into what promises to be a highly competitive Vijay Hazare Trophy season.