In one of the most heartwarming moments of this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), Hardik Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi shared a wholesome exchange that instantly won the internet. During the Baroda vs Gujarat group-stage clash at Hyderabad’s Gymkhana Ground, Bishnoi dismissed Hardik—and what followed was a rare sight in competitive cricket.
The moment unfolded in Baroda’s chase of just 74. Sitting comfortably at 69/1, Hardik attempted to dispatch a short delivery from Bishnoi straight down the ground but mistimed it, sending a simple catch to the fielder in the deep.
As soon as the ball settled in the hands of the fielder, Bishnoi turned in celebration with both arms raised. Hardik, instead of showing frustration, walked up with a smile, offered the young leg-spinner a high-five, and the duo ended up sharing a warm hug before the all-rounder walked back for 10 off 6. It was a beautiful reminder that respect and camaraderie often transcend competition.
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Baroda eventually wrapped up the chase in just 6.4 overs, thanks to solid contributions from openers Shashwat Rawat (30) and Vikram Solanki (27). Earlier, their bowlers had set up the victory with a disciplined performance. Raj Limbani led the attack with three wickets, while Hardik delivered a tidy spell of 1/16 in four overs. Krunal Pandya (1/25), Rasikh Salam (1/13), and Atit Sheth (2/14) ensured Gujarat never found momentum, folding for just 73.
A Cute moment between Hardik pandya and Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi got the wicket of hardik 10(6) pandya in smat today
Gujrat was allout for 73 and baroda chased it with 8 wickets in hand
Ravi took both wickets after taking 3/13 in last game pic.twitter.com/FR9s8EV3h8
— Sawai96 (@Aspirant_9457) December 4, 2025
For Hardik, this match added another layer of confidence ahead of his international comeback. Earlier in the tournament, his unbeaten 77 against Punjab had already signalled his return to rhythm. With this SMAT game being his last before joining the Indian team for the T20I series against South Africa, he looks ready after recovering from a quad injury that kept him out for months.
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Elsewhere, Kerala produced the upset of the day as pacer KM Asif delivered a sensational 5/25 to hand defending champions Mumbai their first defeat of the tournament. Kerala posted an impressive 178/5, built on Sanju Samson’s explosive 46, Vishnu Vinod’s steady 43*, and Sharafuddeen’s late 15-ball 35*. Mumbai seemed on track at 99/3, with Sarfaraz Khan’s 52 and Ajinkya Rahane’s brisk 32, but Asif’s fiery spell dismantled the middle and lower order, bowling them out for 163.
