Rested vs NZ, India X-Factor Explodes in Domestic

Hardik Pandya continued his fine form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a blistering knock for Baroda against Chandigarh in Rajkot on Thursday, January 8. Batting at No. 6, you saw him smash 75 off 31 balls.

Fastest fifty lights up innings

You watched Hardik reach his fifty in just 19 deliveries. He struck nine sixes and two fours, keeping the run rate high after Baroda lost early wickets and slipped into trouble during the opening overs.

Crucial fifth wicket stand

Baroda were struggling at 11 for 2 when Hardik stepped in. You then saw him add 90 runs in 51 balls for the fifth wicket with Priyanshu Moliya, steadying the innings while maintaining pressure on the bowlers.

Moliya completes his hundred

While Hardik attacked relentlessly, Moliya played the anchor role. You later saw him bring up a composed century, scoring 103 off 106 balls and holding the innings together through the middle overs.

Jitesh powers late surge

After Hardik fell, wicketkeeper batter Jitesh Sharma took charge. You saw him hammer 73 off 33 balls and add 106 runs with Moliya for the sixth wicket, pushing Baroda past 350.

Another reminder of Hardik’s value

Baroda recovered strongly after the early collapse. You once again saw Hardik underline his importance as a lower middle-order hitter, blending power with control when the team needed momentum the most.

Domestic form turning heads

Hardik’s domestic run continues to draw attention, especially after he was rested for India’s ODI series against New Zealand. With four fifty-plus scores in his last five innings, you can see why his Vijay Hazare Trophy has stood out.