Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has etched his name into the history books during his sensational 74-run knock in the first round of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. Hardik, who is featuring in the domestic T20 tournament SMAT, helped his team Baroda defeat Gujarat in a thrilling clash at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Saturday, November 23.
En route to his 35-ball 74-run knock, Hardik reached 5000 runs in T20 cricket. He needed only seven runs to reach the mark and he now has 5067 runs in the T20 format.
The star all-rounder Hardik has now become the first Indian player with a double of 5000 runs and 100-plus wickets in the T20 format. The 31-year-old all-rounder has 180 wickets to his name in the format and by far owns this record now.
Coming to the match, Hardik's exploits helped Baroda chase down 185, their second-highest ever in SMAT, with five wickets in hand. His knock was laced with 6 fours and 5 sixes as he scored his runs at a strike rate of 211.43. Baroda's highest chase in the domestic T20 tournament is 187, which came against Hyderabad in 2023 in Jaipur. They had chased down 179 against Maharashtra (2018), 177 against Gujarat (2009) and 170 against Delhi (2012).
The Indian all-rounder had walked in to bat number five, after the fall of Atit Sheth's wicket. Baroda needed 63 off the final five overs and had lost Shivalik Sharma too. Captain and Hardik's brother Krunal Pandya walked in to bat at number six but could not contribute much. He was dismissed for three off six balls and Baroda were in a spot of bother.
However, with ice-cool Hardik out in the middle, he ensured there were no major hiccups. He brought up his fifty in 28 balls and kept the ante up. As he was out there, the required rate didn't jump out of control. Baroda needed 52 off the final 24 balls and then 26 off the last 12 deliveries. The all-rounder held his cool and ensured his team crossed the line. Vishnu Solanki hit the winning runs, a boundary through covers as Baroda won with five wickets in hand and three balls to spare.
