Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023: Deepak Hooda Shines in Vijay Hazare Semis, Sets Final Clash with Haryana

In a stunning Vijay Hazare semi-final, Deepak Hooda's breathtaking 180 runs led Rajasthan to victory against Karnataka. Hooda's incredible performance not only secured their spot in the final against Haryana but also showcased his prowess in a career-best innings after a remarkable 17-year gap.

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Rajasthan, led by the sensational Deepak Hooda, staged a spectacular upset in the Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-finals against Karnataka, setting the stage for a thrilling finale against Haryana. The much-anticipated clash between the unbeaten teams, Rajasthan and Haryana, is slated for Saturday, December 16. Hooda's extraordinary knock of 180 off a mere 128 deliveries propelled Rajasthan to a resounding victory over the four-time champions, Karnataka, in Rajkot.

Facing a challenging scenario with early dismissals of their openers within eight balls, Hooda's entrance at 1-2 in the knockout became a turning point. Despite the initial setbacks, Hooda's incredible display, ably supported by Karan Lamba, steered Rajasthan back into the game. The duo strategically built momentum till the 19th over, gradually amplifying the onslaught in the 20th over to counter the mounting required run rate.

Unleashing a relentless assault on the opposition bowlers, Hooda's aggressive stance knew no bounds, effortlessly dispatching deliveries to the boundary. His century in just 85 balls, followed by Lamba's resilient fifty, fortified Rajasthan's stance in the match. Hooda's ferocious onslaught continued, adding 79 runs in the next 43 balls, falling short of leading his team to victory by a mere five runs. However, Lamba's composed innings, remaining unbeaten at 73, sealed the win for Rajasthan.

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Hooda's scintillating performance, marked by two centuries and two fifties in the tournament, underscores his potential, potentially opening doors for national team consideration. With Rajasthan reaching the final after 17 years, the team aims to capitalize on their momentum in the upcoming title clash against Haryana. The spotlight now shifts to Hooda's promising IPL season, holding potential implications for his national team prospects, given India's current batting lineup limitations.