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Hardik Pandya's SMAT Return: Smashes Unbeaten 77 to Power Baroda Win

Hardik Pandya made a spectacular return to cricket after a three-month injury layoff. Playing for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he smashed an unbeaten 77 runs off just 42 balls. His explosive innings helped Baroda successfully chase a daunting target of 223 against Punjab. This match-winning knock is a timely boost for his hopes of an international comeback.

Key Points: Hardik Pandya 77 Runs in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Baroda

  • Hardik Pandya scored a blistering 42-ball 77 not out in his competitive return after injury
  • He shared a crucial 109-run stand with Shivalik Sharma to chase 223
  • Baroda secured their second consecutive win in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
  • Pandya's performance strengthens his case for selection in India's upcoming T20I squad
2 min read

Hardik smashes unbeaten 77 on SMAT return to help Baroda win

Hardik Pandya returns from injury with a match-winning 77* for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, boosting his case for an India T20I comeback.

"The all-rounder bagged the Player of the Match award for his knock and put forth a strong case for his international comeback. - Article"

Hyderabad, Dec 2

India allrounder Hardik Pandya smashed a 42-ball 77 not out for Baroda as the team chased down a 223-run target against Punjab to clinch their second consecutive victory at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy here on Tuesday.

Notably, this was Hardik's first outing in almost three months, as he returned to competitive cricket after a long injury layoff. He sustained an injury during India’s Asia Cup Super Fours clash against Sri Lanka and has been out of action since. The allrounder subsequently missed the ODI and T20I series against Australia and was unavailable for selection for the ongoing 50-over series against South Africa.

However, after exiting the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and upon receiving RTP (Return to Play) clearance from the board, Hardik joined the Baroda team, led by his brother Krunal Pandya, for the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament.

Speaking of the match, Punjab posted 222/8 in their 20-over quota, riding on half-centuries from skipper Abhishek Sharma and top-order batter Anmolpreet Singh. Naman Dhir played a decent knock, scoring 39 off 28 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and Sanvir Singh finished with identical scores of 16 runs.

Raj Limbani was the pick of the bowlers for Baroda, while Hardik ended up conceding 52 runs in his four-over spell, managing just the lone wicket of Anmolpreet.

Baroda got off to a solid start to their chase thanks to the 66-run opening stand between Vishnu Solanki and Shashwat Rawat. However, two quick wickets brought Shivalik Sharma and Hardik on the crease.

The duo stitched a formidable 109-run stand for the third wicket before Shivalik had to retire out. However, Hardik kept going and notched up seven fours and four sixes to score an unbeaten 77 as Baroda chased down the target with five balls to spare.

The all-rounder bagged the Player of the Match award for his knock and put forth a strong case for his international comeback.

The selection committee will likely announce India’s T20I squad for the forthcoming five-game series against South Africa this week.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So happy to see him back on the field and performing. His fitness is crucial for the balance of the Indian team. Hope he stays injury-free now. All the best for the SA series selection!
R
Rohit P
Brilliant innings, but let's not ignore he gave away 52 runs in 4 overs. His bowling form is a concern. We need the all-rounder Hardik, not just the batter. Hope he works on it.
S
Sarah B
That partnership with Shivalik Sharma was the game-changer. Good to see domestic cricket providing such a high-pressure platform for comebacks. SMAT quality seems to be improving every year.
K
Karthik V
The Pandya brothers leading Baroda! Krunal as captain and Hardik smashing it. Feels like a proper domestic setup. This win must be extra special for their family. 🏏
M
Michael C
Respect for coming back to domestic cricket after being an international star. Shows his commitment. That's the right way to regain match fitness and form. Class act.

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