Vidarbha stormed into the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025 final with a dominant 69-run victory over Maharashtra, spearheaded by their captain Karun Nair.

Centuries from Yash Rathod (116) and Dhruv Shorey (114) laid a strong foundation.

However, it was Nair's electrifying unbeaten 88 off 44 balls that stole the spotlight, further solidifying his claim for national selection ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 squad announcement.

Batting first, Vidarbha posted a mammoth 380/5 in 50 overs. Rathod and Shorey shared a 224-run opening stand, displaying finesse and consistency. Rathod, resembling shades of Shikhar Dhawan with his fluid left-handed strokes, got Vidarbha off to a flying start. Shorey complemented him with a steady yet impactful knock, as Maharashtra's fielders struggled to contain the duo.

When Nair walked in during the 35th over, a fifth consecutive List A century seemed unlikely. However, his composed approach and precise acceleration demonstrated why he's one of the most reliable players in the domestic circuit. Nair's knock featured nine boundaries and five sixes, showcasing his ability to shift gears seamlessly. Alongside Jitesh Sharma, who chipped in with a quickfire 51, Nair ensured Vidarbha crossed the 380-mark.

Chasing 381, Maharashtra faced an uphill battle, especially with their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad continuing his lean patch. Gaikwad managed only 7 runs before a diving catch by Jitesh Sharma off Darshan Nalkande's delivery sent him packing. Maharashtra's hopes dimmed further as Vidarbha's bowlers maintained tight lines and struck at regular intervals.

Opener Arshin Kulkarni anchored the innings with a valiant 90 off 101 balls, while Ankit Bawne (50) and Nikhil Naik (49) added some resistance. However, their efforts were insufficient as Maharashtra could only manage 311/7 in their 50 overs. Vidarbha's bowlers, led by Nalkande (3/64) and Nachiket Bhute (3/68), ensured a clinical finish.

Karun Nair's form-752 runs at an incredible average this season-has turned heads, and his impactful performances could push selectors to reconsider his place in India's ODI setup. Vidarbha now faces Karnataka in the final, where Nair will look to further cement his legacy.