India's swashbuckling all-rounder Hardik Pandya went ballistic in Baroda's must-win Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 clash against Chandigarh. On January 8 at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot, Hardik scored 75 runs from just 31 balls, featuring nine sixes to boost his side's scoring rate.
The small boundaries of Rajkot's Niranjan Shah Stadium were not enough to contain the in-form all-rounder. He walked out to bat at no.6 in the 21st over after the wicket of his brother and Baroda skipper Krunal.
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In the 22nd over, Hardik made his intentions clear. He smashed Vishu Kashyap for three sixes in an over. In the 25th over, he targeted Taranpreet Singh. He smashed three sixes and two fours followed by a single to reach his half-century from just 19 balls. On the other end, Priyanshu Moliya was batting on a run-a-ball 50.
Hardik's onslaught continued as he hit Nishunk Birla for three sixes in an over. It was Chandigarh's new-ball bowler Jagjit Singh who ended Hardik's carnage on the first ball of the 30th over. He got caught for a 31-ball 75. His whirlwind knock was studded with two fours and nine sixes. He scored at a strike rate of 241.94.
Hardik in red-hot form
Hardik has been in superb form. He has four fifty-plus scores in last five innings. After two fifties in the T20I series against South Africa, Hardik scored 133 runs from 92 balls, featuring 11 sixes in Baroda's previous clash against Vidarbha. He rescued Baroda from 71/5, helping them post a score of 293/9. His knock ended in a losing cause.
Baroda’s must-win clash
Before the January 8 match, Baroda were placed fourth in Group B with four wins from six games but an inferior net run rate (+0.320) to Vidarbha (+0.950) and Bengal (+0.595). They need a big win to qualify for knockout stages from Group B. Uttar Pradesh have already qualified for the next stage with six wins from as many games.
If Baroda progress to the next stage, Hardik may continue to be available for the quarterfinals. The quarterfinal of second-placed team from Group B is on January 13 at BCCI's Centre of Excellence Ground 2. The semifinals are scheduled to be played on January 15, followed by the final on January 18.
Hardik will join India camp for the five-T20I series which will commence on January 21.