SMAT: Hardik Pandya stars on return to competitive cricket, takes Baroda to victory with match-winning knock vs Abhishek Sharma-led Punjab

Baroda all-rounder Hardik Pandya carried the team to victory with a match-winning knock of 77 against Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). His inning proved to be a game-changer as Baroda chased down the 223-run target with five deliveries left to spare and won the game in style.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Punjab got off to a strong start thankks to openers Prabhsimran Singh and Abhishek Sharma. The duo quickly took the side's total over the 50-run mark before the former lost his wicket for 16. However, this didn't stop Abhishek from punishing the opposing bowlers further. He was joiined by Anmolpreet Singh, who also went  on to play a terrific knock.

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Abhishek went on to reach his half-century in no time, but wasn't able to go any further as he got dismissed for exactly 50 runs. However, Anmolpreet's fiery inning of 69 and Naman Dhir's impactful knock of 39 was enough to take Punjab to a humongous total of 222/8 in 20 overs. Hardik proved to be disappointing with the ball as he gave away 52 runs in his quota of four overs.

Hardik's knock proves to be a game-changer

In reply, Baroda started strong with openers Vishnu Solanki (43) and Shashwat Rawat (31) forming a robust stand of 68 runs.  Though the two would end up departing within the space of two overs. It was the massive partnership between Shivalik Sharma and Hardik that changed  the course of the match. The two smacked the bowlers all around the stadium and even though Shivalk was forced to retire hurt on 47, Hardik's unbeaten 77 was enough to take Baroda over the finish line.

Baroda record 2nd consecutive win

The all-rounder hit seven boundaries and four towering sixes in the phenomenal knock as Baroda won their second game in a row after having defeated Himachal Pradesh in their previous game of the SMAT. Their next fixture will be against Gujarat and will be held on December 4. On the other hand, this was Punjab's second defeat of the tournament and they will be hoping to bounce back in their next match against Puducherry.