In the third quarterfinal of the 2024-25 season, Punjab and Maharashtra faced off at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. Punjab skipper Abhishek Sharma won the toss and chose to field first, with the 9 AM start likely to create conditions helpful to the quick bowlers.

The decision was vindicated almost instantly, as left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh struck with the final ball of the first over to knock back Maharashtra skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad's off stump. The India international gave his side a second breakthrough soon after, inducing an outside edge from Siddhesh Veer for keeper Anmol Malhotra to take a regulation catch.

Arshdeep returned later in the innings to claim a third wicket – that of youngster Arshin Kulkarni, who had made his way to 107 by that point. The left-armer finished with figures of 3-56 in nine overs as Maharashtra posted 275-6.

Punjab's chase went off the rails quickly as they slipped to 50-3, and later 119-6. Batting at No.9, Arshdeep walked in in the 32nd over with the score reading 123-7. He and Sanvir Singh put on 49 for the eighth wicket but once Sanvir fell, Punjab's hopes of a chase were all but over.

Read more: India's squad for 2025 Champions Trophy, live updates

Arshdeep was eventually the last wicket to fall, scoring a professional career-best 49 off 39 balls, laced with three fours and three sixes. His previous high score of 36 came in a Ranji Trophy match almost exactly a year ago, for Punjab against Karnataka.

With Jasprit Bumrah a doubt and Mohammed Shami still returning from injury for the Champions Trophy, Arshdeep should fancy his chances of making India's squad for the tournament. He has already played 60 T20Is, but just eight ODIs so far.

Image credit: JioCinema

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