Watch: Hardik Pandya’s blitzkrieg helps Baroda trump Tamil Nadu

Hardik Pandya in SMAT 2024. (Source: Jio Cinema)

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash between Tamil Nadu and Baroda saw some excellent performance with the bat from the batters of both the sides.

The clash began with Tamil Nadu coming in to bat first at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on Wednesday, November 27. Narayan Jagadeesan opened the innings with a knock of 57 runs in 32 deliveries, while Vijay Shankar smashed 42 off just 22 deliveries. Shahrukh Khan also contributed well, scoring 39 off 25 deliveries as Baroda posted a mammoth 221/6 on the board.  

Hardik Pandya had a rough outing with the ball as Shankar struck three sixes in an over against him. Pandya conceded 44 runs in three overs without taking any wicket. However, after a forgettable outing with the ball, Pandya made up for it with his bat.

Also Read: Watch: Vijay Shankar sends Hardik Pandya to cleaners with three sixes in an over in SMAT 2024

Baroda openers Mitesh Patel and Ninad Rathva scored (18 off 11) and (29 off 19) while Shivalik Sharma departed after adding 14 off 10. It was when Pandya came into bat that the innings shifted in Baroda’s favour.

Scoring 69 runs in just 30 deliveries, Pandya, accompanied by Bhanu Pania, who scored 42 runs in 20 balls, ensured the victory for Baroda. Pandya hit four fours and seven sixes, batting at a strike rate of 230 as Baroda chased down the target on the last ball and won the game by three wickets.