Hardik Pandya produced a breathtaking counter-attacking innings to propel Baroda to a competitive total against Vidarbha in their Vijay Hazare Trophy clash at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium
on Saturday.
Walking in under immense pressure, the star all-rounder played one of the finest List A knocks of his career, scoring 133 off just 92 balls to guide his side to 293 for 9 in 50 overs.
Vidarbha captain won the toss and chose to field, a decision that paid early dividends as Baroda's top order crumbled quickly. Nachiket Bhute struck twice inside the powerplay, removing Amit Passi without scoring and dismissing Nitya Pandya for 15. The slide continued as Praful Hinge sent back Priyanshu Moliya, while Yash Thakur added to the damage by accounting for Atit Sheth and Jitesh Sharma in quick succession. At 71 for 5, Baroda were staring at a below-par total.
Hardik Pandya arrived at the crease at a crucial moment and initially focused on stabilising the innings alongside his brother Krunal Pandya. The pair rebuilt cautiously, rotating strike and absorbing pressure. However, just as the partnership began to take shape, Krunal was dismissed for a patient 23, followed soon after by Vishnu Solanki, leaving Hardik with the responsibility of launching the late charge.
From that point on, Pandya shifted gears dramatically. He took particular liking to spinner Parth Rekhade, plundering 34 runs in a single over that featured five towering sixes and a boundary. His assault was clean and calculated, with most of his big hits sailing over midwicket and long-on, showcasing his trademark power.
Pandya's innings was a striking blend of restraint and aggression. Despite scoring only 31 singles, he dominated the bowlers with 8 fours and 11 sixes, maintaining a relentless scoring rate. His knock eventually came to an end when Yash Thakur claimed his fourth wicket of the match, also dismissing Raj Limbani later to complete an impressive spell.
Late contributions from Mahesh Pathiya and Karan Umatt ensured Baroda batted out their full quota, setting Vidarbha a challenging target of 294. For Pandya, the innings marked a significant milestone - his maiden List A century, achieved more than a decade after his debut, and one that may well be remembered as a defining domestic performance.
