• Hardik Pandya blasted a scorching century against Vidarbha in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.

  • Pandya's explosive 68-ball ton propelled Baroda to 293/9 against Vidarbha.

Fans go crazy as Hardik Pandya smashes a fiery century against Vidarbha in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
Fans go crazy as Hardik Pandya smashes a fiery century against Vidarbha in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 (Image source: X)

In a high-voltage Elite Group B clash of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, Baroda faced off against Vidarbha on January 3. Vidarbha captain Harsh Dubey won the toss and elected to bowl first, setting the stage for a batting showdown under clear skies. The match quickly turned into a spectacle as Baroda’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya delivered a match-defining performance, propelling his team to a formidable total.​

Hardik Pandya’s explosive hundred stuns Vidarbha

Pandya arrived at the crease with Baroda reeling at 71-5 after 19.1 overs, following early blows from Vidarbha pacers Yash Thakur and Nachiket Bhute. Undeterred, the Indian all-rounder steadied the ship alongside brother Krunal Pandya (23 off 50), forging a crucial 65-run stand for the sixth wicket. Pandya accelerated ruthlessly, reaching his fifty before unleashing pure carnage in the 39th over against left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade.​

Needing 34 to reach three figures from 66 off 62 balls, Pandya smashed five consecutive sixes—over long-on, covers, mid-wicket, and beyond—before sealing the over with a boundary through point for 34 runs total. The sequence: 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 4. Fans online went berserk, flooding social media with clips of the assault, hailing it as one of domestic cricket’s most memorable overs. This maiden List A ton came off just 68 balls.​

Pandya fell soon after for 133 off 92 balls (8 fours, 11 sixes, SR 144.57), caught by Atharva Taide off Thakur at 258-8 in the 45.2 over. Vishnu Solanki (26 off 17) and late flourishes from Mahesh Pithiya (18* off 14) and Karan Umatt (13* off 11) pushed Baroda to 293-9 in 50 overs (RR 5.86). Thakur starred with 4-64, while Rekhade (2-80) endured the punishment.

Also READ: Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya to get break as India plan rotation for New Zealand ODIs

Here’s how fans reacted:

Baroda puts up a fighting total against Vidarbha in VHT 2025-26

Baroda’s innings began shakily, Amit Pasi fell for a duck, while Nitya Pandya reached 15 before Bhute struck early. The collapse deepened as Priyanshu Moliya (16), Atit Sheth (21), Jitesh Sharma (9) and Krunal departed, leaving them struggling at 71-5. The Powerplay produced just 43 runs, but Pandya’s counterattack flipped momentum. Vital partnerships of 45 with Solanki and 77 with Raj Limbani (10) hauled Baroda to 293-9, despite nine wickets falling.

Vidarbha now faces a steep chase on a flat Rajkot track offering pace and bounce. Pandya’s blitz not only boosted Baroda’s semifinal hopes in the domestic 50-over showpiece but also signaled his peaking form ahead of India’s white-ball commitments, including the 2026 T20 World Cup. Supporters chanted his name long after stumps, cementing the knock as a highlight of VHT 2025-26.​

Also WATCH: Fan reacts angrily after Hardik Pandya declines selfie request at an event

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Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on , , and .