Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26: Arunachal Pradesh vs Mizoram – Match Preview (26 December 2025, 03:15 GMT)

As the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy gets underway, the Plate Group stage sets the stage for a fierce battle among the underdogs of Indian domestic cricket. One of the early fixtures in this group is between Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, scheduled to take place on 26 December 2025 at 03:15 GMT. This match promises to be an intriguing clash as both teams look to make a strong start in their campaign.

Tournament Context

The Plate Group consists of six teams: Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and Tripura, all vying for a place in the quarterfinals and a chance to be promoted to an Elite Group. The winner of the Plate Group final on 6 January 2026 will earn a direct entry into the quarterfinals, making this match a critical stepping stone for both teams.

Team Insights

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, though not a regular contender in top-tier domestic cricket, has shown glimpses of potential in recent seasons. Their squad is well-balanced, with a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents. The team’s strength lies in their ability to adapt to different conditions and play aggressive brand of cricket. A strong bowling attack, coupled with a solid lower-order, could prove decisive in this match.

Mizoram

Mizoram, on the other hand, has a reputation for producing quality all-rounders and has often been a tough nut to crack in the Plate Group. Their batting line-up is bolstered by a couple of aggressive openers and a middle-order that can capitalize on good starts. The bowling unit, particularly the spinners, has the potential to dominate on slower pitches. Mizoram’s ability to chase down totals under pressure will be a key factor in this encounter.

Key Players to Watch

• Arunachal Pradesh:

  • Ankit Sharma (Wicket-keeper/Batsman): A reliable finisher with a knack for chasing down totals.
  • Pawan Kumar (Bowler): A left-arm spinner with good variations, expected to trouble the batters in the middle overs.

• Mizoram:

  • Bhaskar Singh (All-rounder): A versatile performer with the ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
  • Rohit Singh (Batsman): A consistent middle-order batsman who can stabilize the innings or accelerate the scoring.

Match Conditions and Strategy

The match is expected to be played on a neutral and balanced pitch, which will suit both batting and bowling sides. The temperature is likely to be mild, with no significant weather disruptions expected. This makes it a perfect setup for a competitive 50-over contest.

Arunachal Pradesh will look to post a competitive total and utilize their spinners effectively in the middle overs. Mizoram, with their balanced squad, could opt for an aggressive start to put pressure on the opposition early in the innings.

Prediction

This is a match that could go either way. While Mizoram has a slight edge due to their experience in tight Plate Group encounters, Arunachal Pradesh can’t be underestimated with their balanced squad and home advantage (if applicable). A score in the 240-260 range is expected, with the result hinging on the quality of bowling and the ability of the lower-order to finish the job.

Conclusion

The Arunachal Pradesh vs Mizoram clash on 26 December 2025 is a must-watch for cricket fans eager to see the underdogs in action. With both teams aiming to make a strong start in the Plate Group, this match is set to be a thrilling start to their Vijay Hazare Trophy journey. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to a tight contest that highlights the growing competitiveness of domestic cricket in India.
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