Hardik Pandya Smashes 9 Sixes in Vijay Hazare Trophy Blitz Against Chandigarh

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya continued his destructive run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with another explosive batting display, hammering nine sixes in a rapid 75 off just 31 balls for Baroda against Chandigarh. The innings came in Baroda’s final Elite Group B fixture at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot and further cemented Pandya’s status as the tournament’s most consistent power-hitter.

Walking in at No. 6 with Baroda needing momentum after a shaky start, Pandya immediately took control of the contest. He reached his half-century in just 19 deliveries and maintained relentless pressure on the Chandigarh bowlers, finishing with a strike rate well above 240. His innings featured nine towering sixes and two boundaries, turning what had been a cautious middle phase into a full-blown onslaught.

Pandya’s assault proved decisive. Partnering Priyanshu Moliya, he stitched together a blistering 90-run stand in just 51 balls for the fifth wicket. The partnership not only stabilised the innings but also shifted the momentum firmly in Baroda’s favour after the side had slipped to 11 for 2 early on.

The knock was another reminder that Pandya’s form in the domestic 50-over competition is no flash in the pan. Just days earlier, he had produced a commanding century against Vidarbha, scoring 133 off 68 balls with 11 sixes and eight fours. Although Baroda lost that match, the innings underlined Pandya’s growing comfort and authority in longer white-ball formats.

After Pandya’s dismissal against Chandigarh, the late-order fireworks continued. Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma walked in and unleashed his own aggressive display, smashing 73 off 33 balls with eight fours and four sixes. Together with Moliya, he added 106 runs in just 57 balls for the sixth wicket, ensuring Baroda finished with a formidable total well beyond the 350-run mark.

Moliya played the anchor role to perfection, registering a composed 103 off 106 deliveries. His innings provided the foundation that allowed the power-hitters to attack freely at the death, resulting in a total built on structured partnerships rather than reckless hitting.

Pandya’s domestic surge has not gone unnoticed. Rested for India’s recent ODI series against New Zealand, the 31-year-old has responded with performances that speak louder than selection debates. He has now recorded four fifty-plus scores in his last five innings and has consistently cleared the ropes with ease throughout the tournament.

The sustained form suggests Pandya is peaking at the right time, combining maturity with his trademark power-hitting. As the Vijay Hazare Trophy progresses into its decisive stages, his ability to change games within a few overs continues to make him one of the most impactful players in domestic white-ball cricket.