Hardik Pandya's Explosive Century Lights Up Baroda vs Vidarbha Thriller in Vijay Hazare Trophy

In a thrilling encounter at the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26, Baroda faced Vidarbha in Match 85 at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot, where Hardik Pandya delivered a breathtaking maiden List A century to rescue his team from collapse.

Baroda, struggling at 71/5, were revived single-handedly by the 32-year-old all-rounder, who smashed 133 runs off 92 balls, including 11 sixes and 8 fours at a strike rate of 144.57. The highlight was the 39th over against spinner Parth Rekhade, where Pandya unleashed five consecutive sixes followed by a four, plundering 34 runs to surge from 66 to his century in just six balls.[3][4]

No other Baroda batter crossed 30 runs, with Vishnu Solanki offering brief support (26 off 17). Vidarbha's Yash Thakur claimed 4/64, but Pandya's fireworks propelled Baroda to a competitive 293/9 in 50 overs.[3]

Vidarbha chased the target with ease, reaching 296/1 in 41.5 overs at a run rate of 7.10. Aman Mokhade starred with an unbeaten 150 off 121 balls, steering his team to a commanding 9-wicket victory.[2][4]

Pandya's heroic knock, despite the loss, dominated headlines, showcasing his power-hitting prowess reminiscent of his recent T20 exploits against South Africa.[3]