Did Hardik Pandya's Unbeaten 77 Lead Baroda to Victory?
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Synopsis
In a remarkable comeback, Hardik Pandya led Baroda to victory with an impressive 77 not out against Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This match was a significant milestone after his injury layoff, and his performance has raised hopes for his return to the national team. Read on to discover how he made an impact in this thrilling encounter.
Key Takeaways
- Hardik Pandya scored 77 not out in his comeback match.
- Baroda chased down a target of 223 runs against Punjab.
- Hardik's performance raises hopes for his return to the national team.
- The match was part of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
- Hardik received the Player of the Match award.
Hyderabad, Dec 2 (NationPress) Indian allrounder Hardik Pandya made a stunning comeback by scoring an impressive 77 not out off just 42 balls for Baroda as they successfully chased a challenging target of 223 runs against Punjab. This victory marks Baroda's second consecutive win in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Tuesday.
Remarkably, this was Hardik's first match after nearly three months due to an injury sustained during India's Asia Cup Super Fours encounter with Sri Lanka. His absence also meant he missed the ODI and T20I series against Australia and was unavailable for the ongoing 50-over series against South Africa.
After receiving RTP (Return to Play) clearance from the BCCI and completing his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, Hardik joined the Baroda squad, which is captained by his brother Krunal Pandya, for the ongoing tournament.
In this match, Punjab managed to score 222 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, with notable contributions from skipper Abhishek Sharma and top-order batsman Anmolpreet Singh, both of whom scored half-centuries. Naman Dhir also played well, scoring 39 off 28 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and Sanvir Singh added 16 runs each.
Raj Limbani was Baroda's standout bowler, while Hardik, despite conceding 52 runs in his four-over spell, managed to claim one wicket.
Baroda's chase began positively with a 66-run opening partnership between Vishnu Solanki and Shashwat Rawat. However, the loss of two quick wickets brought Shivalik Sharma and Hardik to the crease.
The pair formed a solid 109-run partnership for the third wicket before Shivalik had to retire out. Hardik continued to bat aggressively, hitting seven fours and four sixes to finish with an unbeaten 77, leading Baroda to victory with five balls remaining.
Hardik's stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match award and significantly strengthened his case for a return to international cricket.
The selection committee is expected to announce India's T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against South Africa later this week.
Point of View
Hardik Pandya's comeback is a significant boost for Indian cricket. His performance not only speaks to his resilience but also highlights the depth of talent in our domestic circuits. As the selection committee prepares for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, Hardik's return could be pivotal for India's strategy. We at Nation Press believe that such triumphs in domestic cricket should be celebrated as they contribute to the overall strength of our national team.
NationPress
02/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Hardik Pandya's score in the match?
Hardik Pandya scored an unbeaten 77 runs off 42 balls.
Which trophy was this match part of?
This match was part of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Who did Baroda play against in this match?
Baroda played against Punjab in this match.
What injury kept Hardik Pandya out of action?
Hardik Pandya was sidelined due to an injury sustained during the Asia Cup.
What award did Hardik Pandya receive for his performance?
Hardik was awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
