Hardik Pandya Smashes Maiden List A Century as Baroda Post 293 vs Vidarbha
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya produced a sensational innings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, hammering his maiden List A century to rescue Baroda from collapse against Vidarbha at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Saturday.
Hardik’s breathtaking knock powered Baroda to a competitive 293/9 in 50 overs, transforming what once looked like a disastrous innings into a formidable total in a crucial Elite Group B clash.
Match Situation: Baroda in Complete Disarray
After being put in to bat first by Vidarbha, Baroda’s innings unraveled rapidly. The top order failed to handle disciplined new-ball bowling, and wickets fell in clusters. Within the first 15 overs, Baroda were reeling at 71 for five, with the middle order exposed far earlier than expected.
Vidarbha’s bowlers applied relentless pressure, exploiting movement and bounce to dismantle Baroda’s batting lineup. At that stage, a total anywhere near 250 looked highly unlikely, and Baroda were staring at a potentially match-losing position.
Hardik Pandya Takes Control
Hardik’s innings was a masterclass in situational batting. He began cautiously, prioritising stability and strike rotation rather than immediate aggression. With wickets falling around him, Hardik ensured partnerships were stitched together before launching into attack mode.
Hardik eventually finished with a stunning 133 off just 92 balls, an innings that included eight fours and 11 towering sixes, scored at a remarkable strike rate of 144.56. It was his first 50-over century at senior level, a landmark moment in an already illustrious career.
The Over That Changed Everything
The defining moment of Hardik’s innings came against left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade, when he unleashed a brutal assault that completely swung momentum Baroda’s way.
In a single over, Hardik smashed:
Five sixes
One boundary
The over not only electrified the Rajkot crowd but also shattered Vidarbha’s bowling plans. What had been a controlled innings until then suddenly turned explosive, pushing Baroda firmly back into the contest.
Support from the Middle Order
While Hardik dominated proceedings, he also received valuable support from the lower-middle order, which helped Baroda push past the 290-run mark.
Key contributions included:
Krunal Pandya (23) – providing stability and leadership alongside his younger brother
Vishnu Solanki (26) – rotating strike and maintaining momentum
Atit Sheth (21) – chipping in with useful runs late in the innings
These partnerships ensured Hardik could bat with freedom while still building a defendable total.
Vidarbha Bowling: Early Dominance, Late Struggles
Vidarbha’s bowlers made a strong start, with the new ball doing significant damage.
Nachiket Bhute struck early, dismissing both Baroda openers and finishing with figures of 61 runs conceded.
Yash Thakur was the standout performer, picking up four crucial wickets for 64 runs, consistently breaking partnerships.
Parth Rekhade claimed two wickets, though he was on the receiving end of Hardik’s assault.
Praful Hinge chipped in with one wicket.
Despite the early breakthroughs, Vidarbha struggled to contain Hardik once he entered full flow, allowing Baroda to post a total well above expectations.
Group B Standings After the Match
Following this encounter in Elite Group B, both teams remain firmly in contention for qualification.
Vidarbha:
Matches won: 3 out of 4
Position: 2nd
Net Run Rate: +1.430
Baroda:
Matches won: 3 out of 4
Position: 4th
Net Run Rate: +0.377
With the group finely poised, Hardik Pandya’s innings could prove decisive in shaping Baroda’s campaign.
Why This Century Matters
Hardik Pandya’s maiden List A century was not just a statistical milestone—it was a statement of growth and maturity.
It proved his ability to anchor an innings under pressure
Showcased adaptability beyond his finishing role
Reinforced his importance in domestic one-day cricket
Demonstrated leadership through action
In a format that demands patience as much as power, Hardik showed he can do both—rescue an innings and then dominate it.
Conclusion
Hardik Pandya’s breathtaking 133 against Vidarbha will be remembered as one of the standout innings of the Vijay Hazare Trophy season. Walking in with Baroda in deep trouble, he single-handedly transformed the match with a blend of composure, calculated aggression, and sheer hitting power.
From 71/5 to 293/9, the turnaround was extraordinary—and at the heart of it stood Hardik Pandya, proving once again why he remains one of India’s most valuable all-rounders across formats.
Written by The Cricket Show
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