SMAT 2025: After failure with ball, Hardik Pandya makes a statement with bat! Scores 77* to help Baroda chase 223

Hardik Pandya had conceded 52 runs in his 4 overs for one wicket when Punjab batted.

Hardik Pandya returned to cricket in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy 2025, where he turned out for Baroda against Punjab on December 2, 2025. Pandya had suffered a hamstring injury in Asia Cup 2025 and had missed the final of the competition.

He underwent treatment and rehab at the Center of Excellence (CoE) following the injury and made his comeback in SMAT for Baroda against Punjab.

In the recent match against Punjab, Hardik bowled four overs for 52 runs and one wicket to start the bowling session. Abhishek Sharma made 50 in 19 balls, and Anmolpreet Singh smashed 69 in 32 balls, as they helped Punjab score 222/8 in 20 overs. Raj Limbani starred with the ball, taking 3/36.

It was hardly a Cinderella recovery for the all-rounder, who is competing for a spot in the Indian team ahead of the T20I series against South Africa.

Hardik Pandya stars with the bat as Baroda chases down Punjab’s 223-run target

After openers Vishnu Solanki (43 in 21 balls) and Shaswat Rawat (31 in 18 balls) added 66 runs for the opening wicket in 5.1 overs, Punjab got a chance to claw in. Shivalik Sharma had to retire out for 47 in 31 balls, bringing Hardik Pandya to the crease, and he unleashed fury with the bat.

He scored an unbeaten 77 from 42 balls, including seven fours and four sixes. Baroda executed the third most successful pursuit in SMAT history. Hardik concluded the game in style, blasting three sixes in succession to secure a seven-wicket victory with five balls remaining.

According to PTI, Hardik is also expected to play in Baroda’s next match against Gujarat on December 4. Selector Pragyan Ojha is anticipated to monitor him to ensure his fitness before naming him to the national squad.

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