Baroda and Maharashtra registered two dramatically different yet equally gripping wins in the domestic circuit, a day that showcased inspiring comebacks, young rising stars, and high-pressure run chases that kept fans glued to the action. For Baroda, the biggest story was Hardik Pandya’s long-awaited return to competitive cricket after his left quadricep injury from the Asia Cup 2025.
With questions around his fitness, Hardik Pandya walked in with intent and delivered a commanding unbeaten 77 off 42 balls while chasing a massive 223. His knock brought calm to a tense chase and was anchored by a crucial 101-run stand with Shivalik Sharma. In a bold tactical move that changed the chase’s tempo, Shivalik retired out on 47 off 32, paving the way for the explosive Jitesh Sharma to partner Hardik. The duo finished the job in style, sealing a seven-wicket win with nine balls of brilliance.
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Hardik also chipped in with the ball, returning figures of 1 for 52 in a match where Punjab’s batting line-up fired strongly. Abhishek Sharma smashed an 18-ball fifty, Anmolpreet Singh contributed 69 off 32, and Naman Dhir added 39 off 28. But despite the fireworks, Punjab’s 222 wasn’t enough as both teams now sit on two wins each in Group C, with Gujarat leading the table.
THE CRAZE FOR HARDIK PANDYA IN HYDERABAD. 🤯
– A fan entered into the ground & touched the feet of Hardik during SMAT. pic.twitter.com/6ikrVdlPLo
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 2, 2025
A fan entered the ground to meet Hardik Pandya during Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match at Hyderabad & Hardik told security not do anything to him. 🔥 (KVS Giri).
– THE CRAZE OF HARDIK PANDYA..!!! pic.twitter.com/DP1kHtjaYT
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) December 2, 2025
In another standout contest, Bihar witnessed a sensational innings from 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi—India’s U19 World Cup opener—who struck a superb unbeaten 108 off 61 balls, including seven fours and seven sixes. His third century of 2025 puts him level with Abhishek Sharma at the top of the list, ahead of Ayush Mhatre and Ishan Kishan.
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However, Bihar’s 176 for 3 wasn’t enough against Maharashtra, thanks to Prithvi Shaw’s authoritative 30-ball 66. The Maharashtra skipper’s return to form may reignite interest from IPL teams after going unsold in 2025. His aggressive start laid the foundation for a three-wicket win with an over to spare. Maharashtra now have two wins from four matches, while Bihar continue their search for a breakthrough victory.
