Hardik Pandya Powers Baroda to Easy Win, Shardul Thakur’s Record-Setting Bowling Struggles Highlight SMAT Action

Hardik Pandya’s explosive performance guided Baroda to a dominant seven-wicket victory over Tripura in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while Shardul Thakur faced a nightmare in Mumbai’s loss to Kerala, setting an unwanted record for the worst bowling figures in the tournament’s history.

In Baroda’s Group B clash with Tripura, Hardik Pandya was the star of the show, smashing 47 runs off just 23 balls to lead his side to a comfortable chase of 110. His brilliant assault on left-arm spinner Parvez Sultan, where he hit five sixes in an over, was the highlight of the match. Hardik’s five sixes included three massive hits through the long-off and extra-cover regions, followed by two in the cow corner.

This performance is just another chapter in what has been a standout Syed Mushtaq Ali campaign for Hardik, who has been in scintillating form. With scores of 74*, 41*, 69, and now 47, as well as contributing with the ball, he continues to be a match-winner for Baroda.

On the bowling front, Hardik’s older brother, Krunal Pandya, also had a good outing, claiming 2/22 as Tripura was restricted to 109/9 in their 20 overs. Baroda achieved the target in just 11.2 overs, winning by seven wickets.

Shardul Thakur’s Nightmare Performance

Shardul Thakur’s performance for Mumbai against Kerala in Group E turned into a nightmare, as he set the record for the worst bowling figures in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history, conceding 69 runs in his four overs. Thakur was hit for six sixes and five fours, despite taking an early wicket of Sanju Samson. His struggles were a key factor in Mumbai’s 43-run defeat to Kerala in Hyderabad.

Kerala’s explosive batting, powered by Salman Nizar’s unbeaten 99 off 49 balls and Rohan Kunnummal’s 87 off 48 balls, propelled them to a massive 234/5 in their 20 overs. The pair shared a 140-run stand for the third wicket, with Nizar hitting eight sixes and Kunnummal smashing seven.

In response, Mumbai could only manage 191/9, despite a valiant 68 from Ajinkya Rahane. MD Nidheesh was the standout bowler for Kerala, claiming 4/30 to help seal the victory.

Delhi’s Unconventional Approach Shines Against Manipur

In another Group C encounter, Delhi displayed a unique tactic by using all 11 players, including wicketkeeper Anuj Rawat, for bowling duties. Delhi comfortably defeated Manipur by four wickets in a low-scoring encounter.

Manipur, opting to bat first, struggled to get going, finishing at 120/8 in their 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Ahmed Shah top-scored with 32, while Delhi’s bowlers, including Harsh Tyagi (2/11) and Digvesh Singh (2/8), put in a clinical performance.

Delhi’s chase was anchored by Yash Dhull, who made a patient 59* off 51 balls, guiding his team to 124/6 in 18.3 overs. Despite a few setbacks, including the cheap dismissals of Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya, Delhi comfortably chased down the target.

Brief Scores:

• Tripura 109/9 in 20 overs (Mandeep Singh 50, Krunal Pandya 2/22)
• Baroda 115/3 in 11.2 overs (Hardik Pandya 47) – Baroda won by 7 wickets
• Kerala 234/5 in 20 overs (Rohan Kunnummal 87, Salman Nizar 99*)
• Mumbai 191/9 in 20 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 68, Shreyas Iyer 32, MD Nidheesh 4/30) – Kerala won by 43 runs
• Manipur 120/8 in 20 overs (Ahmed Shah 32, Harsh Tyagi 2/11, Digvesh Singh 2/8)
• Delhi 124/6 in 18.3 overs (Yash Dhull 59*) – Delhi won by 4 wickets