Arunachal Pradesh vs Saurashtra, Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25: Match Preview

Date: 23 December 2024
Time: 03:30 GMT
Venue: Gujarat College Ground, Ahmedabad

Match Preview

The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 enters its second round of league games, with Arunachal Pradesh taking on Saurashtra in the 25th match of the tournament. Both teams are looking to bounce back from their respective opening game losses. Arunachal Pradesh suffered a massive defeat against Punjab, while Saurashtra lost to Puducherry.

Arunachal Pradesh has a poor record in this format, with only one win in their last 15 games. Their batsmen and bowlers struggled in the last game, which will add pressure on the team. Saurashtra, on the other hand, has an experienced group of players and will look to regain their form and confidence.

Arunachal Pradesh Preview

Nabam Abo's team will be under pressure heading into this game. The top order, consisting of Honey Khari and Neelam Obi, struggled against the new ball in the last game and must improve their show. Techi Doria, Prince Yadav, and Techi Neri will need to build partnerships in the middle order, while Kamsha Yangfo and Hardik Varma will look to do the heavy lifting towards the end.

The bowling attack looked clueless in the last game, and the team expects Nabam Abo and Yab Niya Niaa to deliver early strikes with the new ball. Devansh Gupta is the key bowler on the team, and he will look to do well in the middle overs with Hardik Varma. Techi Neri will look to do well in the lower middle order.

Saurashtra Preview

Jaydev Unadkat's team suffered a shocking loss in their first game against Puducherry. They batted well to put up a big score on the board but failed to deliver with the ball, losing the game by 5 wickets. Arunachal Pradesh doesn't pose a big challenge for the team, and Unadkat would like his team to make a strong comeback and improve its position on the points table.

Sheldon Jackson did well in the last game but must improve his strike rate as he opens the batting with Harvik Desai. Arpit Vasavada is in form, and he must add runs in the middle order with Jay Gohil and Parswaraj Rana. Chirag Jani and Ruchit Ahir are good hitters and must add quick runs in the final overs.

Weather Conditions

Ahmedabad is expected to have clear weather on December 23. The surface will slow down as the game progresses, which is the trend at this venue. Batsmen can play their strokes on this wicket. The side batting first in this game shall be happy to have 320 runs on the board.

Pitch Report

Gujarat College Ground, Ahmedabad, is a small ground. Batsmen have done well at this venue. There is assistance for the fast bowlers in the morning with the new ball. Spinners get a lot out of this surface and can turn the ball.

Toss

Most teams have batted first at this venue and won by big margins. The wicket is good to bat on in the first innings, but it becomes difficult in the second half when the ball can stop on the batsmen. The team winning the toss would look to bat first in this game.

Verdict

Arunachal Pradesh has a poor record since making their debut. The batting lineup is inexperienced and poses a major challenge for the side against a strong bowling attack. Their batsmen must score runs to create a chance for the side. Saurashtra has a strong bowling attack and good hitters in their batting lineup, giving them an edge.

Prediction

Saurashtra to win

Players to Watch

• Sheldon Jackson (Saurashtra)
• Arpit Vasavada (Saurashtra)
• Honey Khari (Arunachal Pradesh)
• Techi Doria (Arunachal Pradesh)

Squads

Arunachal Pradesh: Honey Khari, Nabam Abo, Techi Doria, Prince Yadav, Techi Neri, Kamsha Yangfo, Hardik Varma, Ravi Prakash, Devansh Gupta, Neelam Obi, Yab Niya Niia, Nabam Tempol, Ravi Yadav, Nabam Tatang, Gedak Ete, Tadakamalla Mohith, Biki Kumar, Aditya Verma, Agnivesh Ayachi

Saurashtra: Harvik Desai, Sheldon Jackson, Jay Gohil, Arpit Vasavada, Parswaraj Rana, Chirag Jani, Ruchit Ahir, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Jaydev Unadkat, Pranav Karia, Ankur Panwar, Hiten Kanbi, Tarang Gohel, Parth Bhut, Vishvaraj Jadeja, Prerak Mankad