Hardik Pandya produced a great show in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 on Saturday. This performance of his was remarkable as he scored the first century of his List A career and also proved that he is still the same player who can change the course of the match. He was playing for Baroda against Vidarbha and his score was 133 runs, he took just 92 balls for that, the contest was completely lit up with his power and confidence that he displayed all the way.

Pandya’s innings was not just talked about because of the runs he scored but also the way he timed it. Baroda had already lost five wickets for only 71 runs, and the bowlers from Vidarbha were completely in control of the game. Pandya’s nerve of steel allowed him to walk in and along with struggling Baroda, he masterly changed the overall pace of the game. He combined pinpoint placements with wild swings, slowly nurturing the innings and then taking the unheard-of step of a furious attack.

Over number ‘x’ was the highlight of the match no doubt. Pandya hit five sixes and one four in one and the same over which was a huge crowd puller plus rapid movement toward his reaching three-figure mark. His innings was full of 11 sixes and 8 fours where both his power and control were shown as he lifted Baroda to a total that was competitive enough to fight for win.

Match Recap: Vidarbha vs Baroda

Despite Pandya’s heroics, Baroda could manage 293 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs, as support from the other batters remained limited. In response, Vidarbha made light work of the chase, reaching 296 for 1 in just 41.4 overs to register a commanding nine-wicket victory in their Group B fixture.

Vidarbha’s top order delivered a near-perfect chase, leaving Baroda with little room to recover despite the early momentum created by Pandya’s century. The win further strengthened Vidarbha’s position in the group, while Baroda were left reflecting on missed chances around their star performer.

Teams

Vidarbha XI: Atharva Taide, Aman Mokhade, Dhruv Shorey, Nachiket Bhute, Yash Rathod, Ravikumar Samarth, Akshay Wadkar (wk), Harsh Dubey (c), Parth Rekhade, Yash Thakur, Praful Hinge

Baroda XI: Nitya Pandya, Amit Pasi, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya (c), Vishnu Solanki, Priyanshu Moliya, Atit Sheth, Raj Limbani, Karan Umatt, Mahesh Pithiya

A Timely Statement Before International Action

Pandya’s stunning knock comes at an important moment, with selectors keeping a close eye on domestic performances ahead of upcoming white-ball series, including India’s limited-overs fixtures against New Zealand. Although he has been rested from the ODI squad for now, this innings serves as a strong reminder of his form, confidence, and ability to turn games on their head.

For Hardik Pandya, this maiden List A century was more than just a personal milestone—it was a powerful statement that he remains one of India’s most impactful all-rounders in white-ball cricket.