Hardik Pandya Marks Stunning Comeback With an Explosive Knock Against Punjab

 Udaipur, Dec 02, 2025: Baroda and Maharashtra secured contrasting yet equally eventful victories on a day highlighted by notable comebacks, emerging talents, and high-pressure chases across the domestic circuit.

In Baroda’s clash against Punjab, Hardik Pandya made a strong return to competitive cricket after recovering from a left-quadricep injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2025. Under scrutiny for both his fitness and form, Pandya delivered an authoritative performance, remaining unbeaten on 77 off 42 balls to guide Baroda in a challenging chase of 223.

Pandya’s effort was backed by a crucial 101-run partnership with Shivalik Sharma. In a calculated tactical decision that shifted the momentum, Sharma retired out after scoring 47 off 32 balls, allowing Jitesh Sharma to join Pandya for the final phase of the chase with 30 runs required from 15 deliveries.

The move paid off immediately, as Pandya and Jitesh completed the chase in just nine balls, handing Baroda a commanding seven-wicket victory.

Hardik’s All-Round Effort, Punjab Fall Short

Earlier in the day, Hardik’s bowling returned figures of 1 for 52 from four overs. Punjab’s top order had surged thanks to Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 18-ball fifty, he fell on the next ball, and additional middle-overs contributions from Anmolpreet Singh, who struck 69 off 32, and Naman Dhir, who added 39 off 28. Despite those contributions, Punjab’s total proved insufficient. Both Baroda and Punjab now stand on two wins apiece in Group C, although Gujarat occupy the group’s top position with three victories from four outings.

Prithvi Shaw, Vaibhav Suryavanshi Shine in Maharashtra–Bihar Match

In another match, Bihar’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi produced a standout performance. The 14-year-old, set to open for India in the upcoming Under-19 World Cup, scored an unbeaten 108 from 61 balls, hitting seven fours and seven sixes. His three centuries in 2025 equal the most by any Indian player this year, alongside Abhishek Sharma. Ayush Mhatre and Ishan Kishan have two centuries each.

Bihar posted 176 for 3, but the score could not stop Maharashtra. Captain Prithvi Shaw led the chase with a 30-ball 66, an innings that may attract fresh interest from IPL teams after he went unsold in the 2025 auction. His fast start set up a three-wicket win, completed with an over to spare.

Maharashtra now have two wins from four matches, while Bihar are still looking for their first victory.