Pandya turns the game on its head

Walking in at No. 6 during Baroda’s final Elite Group B fixture, Pandya wasted no time. He raced to his half-century in just 19 balls, eventually hammering nine sixes and two fours at a strike rate north of 240. His onslaught came at a decisive stage, rescuing Baroda after early top-order setbacks.

Partnering Priyanshu Moliya, Pandya stitched together a rapid 90-run stand in 51 balls for the fifth wicket, shifting the momentum firmly in Baroda’s favour.

Not a one-off performance

Pandya’s fireworks against Chandigarh followed another statement knock earlier in the tournament. Just five days ago, he smashed a 133 against Vidarbha, an innings featuring 11 sixes and eight fours. Although Baroda lost that match, the knock showcased Pandya’s growing comfort and dominance in the 50-over format.

Baroda cross 350 with late surge

After Pandya’s dismissal, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma took over the charge. Jitesh blasted 73 off 33 balls, adding a blazing 106-run partnership in 57 balls with Moliya. Earlier struggles at 11 for 2 were completely erased as Baroda surged past the 350-run mark, powered by sustained aggression through the middle and death overs.

A strong message to selectors

Pandya’s domestic run has come under sharp focus, especially after he was rested for India’s ODI series against New Zealand. With four 50-plus scores in his last five innings and a flurry of sixes lighting up the tournament, the 31-year-old is letting his bat do the talking — loudly.

Hardik Pandya’s Vijay Hazare campaign is shaping into a reminder of his unmatched ability to change games in a matter of overs, making him impossible to ignore as India’s white-ball plans evolve.