[Watch] Hardik Pandya's 74* off 35 balls guides Baroda to victory over Gujarat in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024

Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya was in blistering form, smashing an unbeaten fifty and guiding Baroda to victory against Gujarat. It came in a Group B game of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 on Saturday, November 23, at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.

Chasing a target of 185, Baroda didn’t start well, losing both their openers, Ninad Rathva (5) and Mitesh Patel (10), cheaply. Atit Sheth (16) also failed to make an impact. However, Shivalik Sharma and Hardik Pandya staged a recovery for Baroda. Shivalik made 64 off 43 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes.

Baroda still had a tough task ahead, requiring 63 runs off the last five overs, with Hardik and Krunal Pandya at the crease. While Krunal was dismissed for three, Hardik smashed four boundaries across the 16th and 17th overs.

The 31-year-old hit back-to-back sixes in the 18th over to bring up his fifty off just 28 balls. The explosive batter didn’t stop there and smacked three more sixes in the 19th over, turning the game in Baroda’s favor.

Here’s a video of Hardik Pandya innings:

Hardik finished unbeaten on 74 off 35 balls, including six boundaries and five sixes, as Baroda triumphed by five wickets with three balls remaining.

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Hardik Pandya also bag one wicket in the game

Baroda won the toss and chose to bowl first. Skipper Krunal Pandya dismissed Urvil Patel for nine in the fourth over, while Umang Kumar (7) and Saurav Chauhan (1) were also sent back cheaply. Aarya Desai and captain Axar Patel then combined for a crucial 74-run partnership off 51 balls for the fourth wicket.

Aarya scored 78 off 52 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes, before being dismissed by Hardik Pandya. Axar remained unbeaten on 43 off 33 balls, including three fours and a six. Hemang Patel (26 off 10) and Ripal Patel (18* off 7) provided valuable cameos as Gujarat finished at 184/5 in their 20 overs.

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