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[Watch] Hardik Pandya Pounds Straight Sixes To Slam 28-Ball 50 In Electric SMAT Game

Akshita Patel

Hardik Pandya makes statement in SMAT game between Baroda and Gujarat [Source: @BCCIdomestic/X.com]Hardik Pandya makes statement in SMAT game between Baroda and Gujarat [Source: @BCCIdomestic/X.com]

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya lit up the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 season opening day with a sensational half-century, smashing an unbeaten 50 off just 28 balls. At that point, Baroda required 39 off 16 balls and Hardik then pounced on 2 straight sixes to not only reduce the equation but also guide Baroda home in a convincing 5-wicket victory.

This SMAT 2024 season, Hardik Pandya joined the Baroda team after BCCI advised contracted players to prioritise domestic tournaments over pre-IPL camps or personal training.

Hence, Hardik Pandya was added to the Baroda squad led by his elder sibling Krunal Pandya. The Pandya brothers faced Gujarat in the opening round of the SMAT 2024 edition earlier today in Holkar Stadium, Indore.

Hardik Pandya entertains Indore crowd

Gujarat posted 184/5 batting first courtesy of Aarya Desai’s 78 off 52, followed by Axar Patel’s 43 off 33 balls finish.

Meanwhile, Baroda’s diving chase was anchored by Shivalik Sharma’s 64 off 43 balls before India’s prolific all-rounder Hardik Pandya came at no.5 to produce a remarkable finish. Hardik rained sixes to control the required run rate, and with two back-to-back maximums against Arzan Nagwaswalla, Hardik Pandya brought his half-century off just 27 balls. 

However, Hardik knew the job was unfinished. He stayed till the end to complete the chase with 3 balls to spare and guide Baroda to a comfortable 5-wicket victory. He stayed unbeaten at 74 off 35 balls with 6 boundaries and 5 sixes in what turned out to be an exemplary display of power hitting. 

Hardik Pandya crowned No.1 All-Rounder

After a successful T20I series victory over South Africa, Hardik Pandya was crowned no.1 all-rounder in ICC’s T20I batting rankings. He replaced Liam Livingstone to take first place with 244 ratings. Notably, Hardik is the only Indian to have a top 10 all-rounder ranking, with Axar Patel following him in 13th place.