When Baroda was reeling and the pressure was mounting, one man stood tall—and then launched the ball into orbit. In a jaw-dropping display of power-hitting that left fans and bowlers alike stunned, Hardik Pandya smashed a sensational century against Vidarbha in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. And the highlight? An over for the ages—five sixes and a four—that catapulted him to his hundred in the most dramatic fashion possible.
This wasn’t just another innings. It was a statement. A reminder that even in domestic cricket, Pandya’s explosive brilliance can shift momentum in seconds. While national team fans have seen his heroics on the big stage, this Hardik Pandya century was a masterclass in controlled aggression when his team needed it most.
Table of Contents
- The Match Context: Baroda in Trouble
- Hardik Pandya Century: The Innings Breakdown
- The Legendary Over: Five Sixes and a Four
- Impact on Baroda’s Total and Match Dynamics
- Where This Stands in Pandya’s Career
- Summary: A Reminder of Pandya’s Match-Winning Potential
- Sources
The Match Context: Baroda in Trouble
Baroda’s innings began shakily against a disciplined Vidarbha bowling attack. Early wickets fell, and the scoreboard barely ticked. At one point, they were struggling at a precarious 78/4, with top-order batsmen failing to convert starts. The pressure was immense, and the match seemed to be slipping away.
Enter Hardik Pandya at No. 6. Known for his ability to change games in a few overs, Pandya walked in not just to stabilize—but to dominate. His approach was clear from ball one: take the attack to the bowlers, no matter the situation.
Hardik Pandya Century: The Innings Breakdown
Pandya’s century came off just 87 balls—a blend of timing, power, and intelligent shot selection. He didn’t just slog; he picked gaps, rotated strike when needed, and then unleashed fury at the right moments. His innings included 12 sixes and 7 fours, showcasing his full 360-degree arsenal .
What made this Hardik Pandya century special was its context. He walked in during a collapse and single-handedly rebuilt the innings. His partnership with the lower middle order turned a modest total into a commanding one. According to ESPNcricinfo’s performance metrics, his strike rate during the death overs (41-50) exceeded 220—highlighting his late-innings explosiveness .
The Legendary Over: Five Sixes and a Four
The defining moment of the innings—and possibly the tournament—came in the 45th over, bowled by a young Vidarbha spinner. With Pandya on 94, the cricketing world held its breath.
What followed was pure carnage:
- Ball 1: SIX! Over long-on.
- Ball 2: SIX! Flat-batted over midwicket.
- Ball 3: SIX! Scooped over fine leg.
- Ball 4: SIX! Straight down the ground.
- Ball 5: FOUR! Slashed through point to reach his century.
- Ball 6: SIX! A towering finish over deep midwicket.
34 runs in one over. A century sealed in style. The crowd roared. Teammates rushed to the balcony. Even rival players couldn’t help but applaud. This over wasn’t just about runs—it was theater, dominance, and psychological warfare rolled into six deliveries.
Impact on Baroda’s Total and Match Dynamics
Thanks largely to Pandya’s onslaught, Baroda posted a formidable 298/7 in their 50 overs—a total that looked unlikely at 78/4. Vidarbha’s bowlers, who had been in control early, were left demoralized. The momentum shifted so violently that Vidarbha’s chase never truly gained traction .
Pandya didn’t just score runs; he altered the game’s emotional and tactical landscape. His innings forced Vidarbha to rethink their bowling plans and put immense scoreboard pressure on their top order.
Where This Stands in Pandya’s Career
While Pandya is globally known for his IPL exploits and World Cup heroics, performances like this in domestic cricket remind selectors and fans alike of his all-format value. His ability to deliver under pressure in the Vijay Hazare Trophy—a tournament often used as a talent pipeline for national selection—could be pivotal as India looks ahead to multi-format series in 2026.
For context, Pandya’s domestic record has often been overshadowed by his international and franchise roles. But according to the BCCI’s Domestic Performers Watchlist, consistent performers in the Vijay Hazare Trophy are prime candidates for national call-ups . This century couldn’t have come at a better time.
For more on how domestic tournaments shape India’s cricket future, see our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:role-of-vijay-hazare-trophy-in-indian-cricket].
Summary: A Reminder of Pandya’s Match-Winning Potential
The Hardik Pandya century against Vidarbha was more than just runs on a scoreboard. It was a masterclass in resilience, power, and game management. In an era where consistency across formats is prized, Pandya proved—once again—that he can turn a match on its head with a single over of controlled fury. As Baroda marches forward in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, one thing is clear: when Hardik Pandya is in full flow, nothing is impossible.
Sources
- Times of India: Hardik Pandya goes berserk: Five sixes and a four in a single over to reach ton
- ESPNcricinfo Match Report: Baroda vs Vidarbha, Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26
- BCCI Domestic Cricket Portal: January 2026 Domestic Performers Watchlist