Hardik Pandya shows why he’s “best all-rounder” in the world, takes Baroda to second-highest chase

Hardik Pandya lived up to the billing of best T20 all-rounder in the world, as he smashed 69 from 30 deliveries, to take Baroda to a famous win over Tamil Nadu in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Wednesday. Needing a massive 222 in 20 overs, Hardik’s efforts ensured the team managed to achieve the second-highest chase in SMAT history.

Hardik Pandya the Star for Baroda

The record belongs to Puducherry, who chased down 227 vs Andhra in 2021. Coming back to the Baroda vs TN match, apart from Hardik Pandya, it was Atit Sheth, who smashed a boundary on the last ball of the innings, to take Baroda to a win. Not to forget, the younger Pandya was severe against CSK latest recruit Gurjapneet Singh, and hit him for 30 runs in just one over. Meanwhile, there were valuable contributions from NA Rathva (29 from 19), and Bhanu Pania (42 from 20) as well.

As far as the match is concerned, Tamil Nadu batted well to reach 221 in their stipulated quota of overs. Baba Indrajith gave the team a quick start with 25 from 14, followed by N Jagadeesan’s 57 from 32. Shahrukh Khan (39) and Vijay Shankar (42), ensured the run-rate went up in the last few overs. For Baroda, Rathva was expensive, leaking 41 runs, but picked up three wickets too.

Baroda vs Tamil Nadu, SMAT

In the chase, Baroda never really looked in the game until Hardik Pandya came up with his special. R Sai Kishore was the best bowler for TN, who returned with figures of 2/23 in his four overs. Skipper Shahrukh gave away 21 runs in his only over, while Vijay Shankar conceded 18 in his solitary over. M Mohammed was expensive as well with 0/37.