PNJB vs MP 3rd Quarter Final – Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026: Match Preview, Pitch Report, Playing XI, Fantasy Tips

The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 is reaching its most intense phase as Punjab (PNJB) take on Madhya Pradesh (MP) in the 3rd Quarter Final at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2, Bengaluru. With a semi-final spot on the line, both teams will bring their strongest XIs into this do-or-die encounter.

Punjab enter this match in red-hot form, while Madhya Pradesh rely on their all-round depth and consistent top order. With Venkatesh Iyer, Abhishek Sharma, Mayank Markande and Shivang Kumar all in sensational touch, this knockout clash promises explosive cricket and massive fantasy points.

PNJB vs MP Match Details

• Match: Punjab vs Madhya Pradesh – 3rd Quarter Final
• Tournament: Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026
• Venue: BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2, Bengaluru
• Date: 13 January 2026
• Time: 09:00 AM IST

Weather Report – Bengaluru

Bengaluru will offer near-perfect cricketing conditions.

• Morning Temperature: 18°C
• Afternoon Temperature: 27°C
• Rain Chance: None
• Humidity: Moderate

There will be some early swing for pacers with fresh morning air, but batting conditions will become excellent as the match progresses.

Pitch Report – BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 2

The pitch at this venue usually offers a balanced contest between bat and ball.

• Batting: Once set, batters can score freely
• Pace: New ball movement in the first 10 overs
• Spin: Spinners come into play as the pitch dries

Ideal 1st Innings Score: 250-270 Chasing Advantage: Slightly easier in the second innings

This surface supports fantasy points from both batters and bowlers, making it a high-value contest.

Team Form Guide

Punjab (PNJB)

Punjab are one of the most in-form teams in the tournament.

• Won 4 of their last 5 matches
• Strong bowling attack led by Arshdeep Singh & Mayank Markande
• Batting powered by Harnoor Singh & Anmolpreet Singh

They look like serious title contenders.

Madhya Pradesh (MP)

MP come into this knockout game with confidence after defeating Karnataka.

• Strong all-round core
• Yash Dubey is in red-hot batting form
• Venkatesh Iyer & Shubham Sharma provide balance

MP are dangerous in pressure games.

Top Fantasy Picks – PNJB vs MP

Shivang Kumar (MP)

The biggest fantasy performer of the series.

• 10 wickets + 1 fifty
• Average: 223.5 fantasy points A complete match-winner.

Mayank Markande (PNJB)

• 9 wickets in the series
• 170+ fantasy point average A middle-over wicket machine.

Abhishek Sharma (PNJB)

• Opens the batting
• Bowls left-arm spin
• 150+ fantasy points average Perfect Captaincy option.

Yash Dubey (MP)

• 390 runs in the tournament
• Most reliable MP batter Best safe pick for small leagues.

Venkatesh Iyer (MP)

• 176 runs + 5 wickets
• Bats in top order and bowls medium pace High-impact all-rounder.

Captain & Vice-Captain Picks

Safe Picks

• Shivang Kumar
• Abhishek Sharma

High-Risk, High-Reward

• Mayank Markande
• Venkatesh Iyer

Fantasy Strategy for PNJB vs MP

• Pick top-order batters from both teams
• Load up on wicket-taking spinners (Markande, Kartikeya)
• Prioritize all-rounders in knockout matches

With pressure high, multi-skill players will dominate the leaderboard.

This Punjab vs Madhya Pradesh Quarter Final is one of the most high-stakes games of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026. Expect intensity, drama, and huge fantasy returns — don’t miss this blockbuster clash 🔥