In the world of domestic cricket, Hardik Pandya has always a force to be reckoned with. His performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 was nothing short of sensational. On November 27, in a thrilling Group B match against Tamil Nadu, Pandya’s explosive knock of 69 runs off just 30 balls powered Baroda to a dramatic victory, keeping them unbeaten in the tournament. Let’s take a closer look at how Hardik Pandya’s fearless batting helped Baroda chase down a mammoth target and keep their winning streak alive.
A High-Pressure Chase in Indore
Baroda’s chase of 222 runs was set up as a thrilling contest in the third round of the SMAT 2024. The game, held at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, was a nail-biting encounter. At 152/6 in the 16th over, Baroda found themselves needing a daunting 70 runs from just 26 balls to win. With Krunal Pandya’s leadership, Baroda still believed they could pull off the impossible, and it was Hardik Pandya who took charge at this critical juncture.
Hardik’s Brutal Assault on Gurjapneet Singh
The turning point came in the 17th over, bowled by left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh, a new recruit for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Hardik, who had been looking in great form throughout the innings, unleashed a brutal assault on Gurjapneet. He hit the young pacer for four consecutive sixes, followed by a boundary, amassing a staggering 29 runs off just six balls. This blitzkrieg was a key moment in the game, as it brought Baroda within striking distance of their target.
Hardik’s aggressive approach was back his impeccable timing and power. He smashed two sixes to the leg-side, showing his ability to dominate the short ball. But it was his shot over cover – a clean, powerful strike that sailed over the boundary rope – that really showcased his versatility. The final blow came when he flat-batted one into the long-on stands after Gurjapneet bowled a waist-high full-toss, which earned Hardik a free-hit.
Hardik Continues His Rampage Against Vijay Shankar
Not content with just one over, Hardik kept up the pressure in the 19th over against another CSK recruit, Vijay Shankar. Hardik smashed two more sixes, bringing Baroda closer to the finish line. At this point, it seemed almost certain that Baroda would clinch victory, thanks to Hardik’s explosive batting.
However, disaster struck in the final over.
Hardik Pandya’s Run Out: A Heartbreaking Moment
With just 9 runs need from 5 balls, Hardik was run out in the final over, following a direct hit from Vijay Shankar. The throw from Shankar, stationed in the mid-wicket region, left Hardik stranded, and despite his lightning-fast reflexes, he couldn’t make it back to the crease in time. It was a crushing blow to Baroda’s chase, as Hardik was dismiss for a well-made 69 runs off 30 balls.
Hardik’s disappointment was evident as he left the field, knowing how crucial his innings had been in getting Baroda so close to victory.
Baroda Clinches the Win in Style
Despite the setback of Hardik’s run out, Baroda’s chase wasn’t over. M Mohammed, who had been in fine form throughout the game, kept his composure in the final moments. The equation came down to 4 runs from the last ball. Atit Sheth, who walk in after Hardik’s departure, was task with finishing the job. And finish it he did. Sheth dispatched a wide, short ball from M Mohammed to the boundary, sealing the win for Baroda with a four.
Baroda’s victory was a result of collective effort, but Hardik Pandya’s brilliance with the bat in the middle overs was the key highlight of the match.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu’s Batting Brilliance Sets the Stage
Before Baroda’s chase began, Tamil Nadu had posted a daunting total of 221/4 in their allotted 20 overs. The foundation of their total was laid Baba Indrajith (25 off 14), N Jagadeesan (57 off 32), and Boppathi Kumar (28 off 16), who all contribute significantly. However, it was the explosive Vijay Shankar, who had been bought CSK in the IPL 2025 auction, who turned the game on its head. Vijay blast three consecutive sixes off Hardik Pandya’s bowling, finishing with a quickfire 42 off 22 balls.
Shankar’s knock gave Tamil Nadu the perfect finish, as they reached well beyond 200, leaving Baroda with a daunting task ahead.
Hardik Pandya: The Domestic White-Ball Specialist
Hardik Pandya’s decision to focus on white-ball domestic cricket in the 2024-25 season has proven to be a wise one. His performance in SMAT 2024 speaks volumes about his form and adaptability. He kicked off his campaign with an explosive 74 runs off 35 balls against Hyderabad and followed it up with 41 runs off 21 balls against Uttarakhand. Hardik’s consistency with the bat has made him a vital asset for Baroda, and his ability to perform under pressure has earned him the admiration of fans and critics alike.
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Conclusion
Hardik Pandya’s performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 against Tamil Nadu will go down as one of the most memorable innings of the season. His fearless batting, highlighted by his four sixes in an over off Gurjapneet Singh, played a pivotal role in Baroda’s victory. Despite a heartbreaking run out, Hardik’s impact on the game was undeniable, and Baroda’s unbeaten run in Group B remains intact thanks to his heroics.
With Hardik in this kind of form, Baroda’s title hopes in the SMAT 2024 look strong. His blend of power, timing, and composure under pressure makes him one of the most exciting players to watch in domestic T20 cricket.
