Saurashtra face Punjab today in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2nd semi-final:Winner to face Vidarbha in summit clash on 18 January

Saurashtra and Punjab will lock horns with each other in the second semi-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 on Friday, 16 January. The match will be played at BCCI’s (Board of Control for Cricket in India) CoE (Centre of Excellence) and is set to start at 1:30 PM IST. Saurashtra had booked their spot in the last four after defeating an unbeaten Uttar Pradesh by 17 runs via the VJD method (in the quarter-final stage. Punjab, on the other hand, put up an emphatic performance against Madhya Pradesh, defeating them by 183 runs. Punjab pin their hopes on captain Prabhsimran Singh Wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh is expected to lead Punjab, having already steered his team to a commanding 183-run triumph over Madhya Pradesh, underpinned by a colossal 345-run total. As Punjab chase their maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy title, they will rely on skipper Prabhsimran’s experience, having been one of the team’s leading run-scorers with four half-centuries, including his most recent effort in Tuesday’s quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh. With a deep batting lineup and a roster of destructive hitters, including Harnoor Singh, Anmolpreet Singh, Naman Poonia, Nehal Wadhera, and Ramandeep Singh, Punjab have the firepower to go all the way. Saurashtra rely on Harvik Desai, Chetan Sakariya Saurashtra, led by in-form opener Harvik Desai, will look to mount a stern challenge, but their relative inexperience could work against them. With three centuries and two half-centuries this season, Harvik Desai has been a pillar of strength for Saurashtra. They have the reliable pacer Chetan Sakariya to break partnerships. Sakaria has taken three-wicket hauls in each of the last three games. Veteran quick Chirag Jani, meanwhile, knows domestic wickets like the back of his hand.