Hardik Pandya’s Heroics Propel Baroda to Thrilling Last-Ball Victory in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

India’s premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been in sensational form in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), showcasing his dominance with a series of match-winning performances.

His ability to excel in crunch situations has been pivotal for Baroda in the tournament, as he continues to impress with both bat and ball.

Thrilling Finish Against Tamil Nadu

In one of the most exciting games of the season, Hardik Pandya powered Baroda to victory in a high-stakes chase against Tamil Nadu.

With a target of 222 set for Baroda, the team found itself struggling at 152 for six in the 16th over when Pandya walked in to bat. What followed was an incredible display of power hitting.

Hardik turned the game around in the very next over, taking on Tamil Nadu’s bowler Gurjapneet Singh, known for his stint with Chennai Super Kings.

Hardik smashed him for four consecutive sixes, followed by a boundary in an over that yielded 29 runs. With this onslaught, the equation was reduced to a manageable 36 off 18 balls.

Pandya continued his rampage, hitting three more sixes and three boundaries, eventually guiding Baroda to a seven-wicket win off the final ball. His remarkable innings earned him the Player of the Match award.

Shreyas Iyer Proves His Worth

While Hardik dazzled for Baroda, Mumbai’s Shreyas Iyer made headlines with his stellar performances in the SMAT.

Ahead of the IPL auction, where he was signed by Punjab Kings for a whopping ₹26.75 crore, Iyer showcased his talent with a century and followed it up with another match-winning knock.

Against Maharashtra, Iyer scored 71 runs off 39 balls, including eight boundaries and three sixes, leading Mumbai to a successful chase of 172. He was well-supported by Ajinkya Rahane, who contributed 52 runs off 34 balls.

The two senior players put up a 110-run partnership for the third wicket, ensuring Mumbai’s five-wicket win.

Consistent Performances Throughout the Tournament

Pandya’s exceptional run in the SMAT began with an unbeaten 74 off 35 balls against Gujarat. His knock, which included six fours and five sixes, came at a strike rate of 211.4 and helped Baroda secure a five-wicket win.

In the next game against Uttarakhand, Pandya smashed an unbeaten 41 runs off 21 balls, followed by another fiery 47 off 23 balls against Tripura.

In the match against Tripura, Pandya’s knock was highlighted by four sixes in a single over against spinner Parvez Sultan, collecting 28 runs in the over.

Despite falling three runs short of a half-century, his aggressive innings played a crucial role in Baroda’s success.

Historic Feat: 5,000 Runs and 100+ Wickets

Pandya’s stellar performances in the SMAT have etched his name in the history books. During the tournament, he became the first Indian player to achieve a rare double of scoring 5,000 T20 runs and taking 100-plus wickets in the format.

This milestone underscores his invaluable contribution to Indian cricket as a fast-bowling all-rounder.

Vijay Shankar’s Moment of Brilliance

Pandya’s competitor for the all-rounder role, Vijay Shankar, also made a mark in the SMAT. Representing Tamil Nadu, Shankar took on Pandya, hitting him for three sixes in an over during their match.

Though Shankar hasn’t played for India since 2019, his domestic form remains noteworthy.

Recognizing his potential, Chennai Super Kings picked up Shankar for ₹1.20 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. His ability to perform under pressure keeps him in contention for higher opportunities.

Leading the Run Charts

Pandya’s batting brilliance has placed him among the top scorers in the ongoing SMAT. With 231 runs in four matches, he is second on the list of leading run-getters. His contributions with the ball have been equally impactful, with two wickets in the tournament so far.

A Bright Future for India’s Premier All-Rounder

Hardik Pandya’s performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy highlight his importance to Indian cricket. His rare ability to combine explosive batting with effective bowling makes him a prized asset.

As he continues to deliver in domestic cricket, Pandya cements his place as one of the most dependable players in the Indian setup.