• Vijay Shankar's stunning direct hit removed Hardik Pandya in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 match between Baroda and Tamil Nadu.

  • Hardik's explosive knock propelled Baroda to a victory over Tamil Nadu by three wickets.

SMAT 2024 [WATCH]: Vijay Shankar hits a bullseye to run out Hardik Pandya in last ball thriller between Baroda and Tamil Nadu
Vijay Shankar hits the bullseye to run out Hardik Pandya (Image Source: X)

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In a Group B match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 held at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Wednesday (November 27), Tamil Nadu all-rounder Vijay Shankar stunned the crowd with an exceptional fielding display to dismiss Baroda’s Hardik Pandya. The highlight moment came in the 20th over of Baroda’s chase when a nail-biting finish was on the cards.

Vijay Shankar’s pinpoint throw ends Hardik Pandya’s knock

With Baroda needing 10 runs off the final six balls, Tamil Nadu’s Mohammed Mohammed delivered to Hardik Pandya, who had been leading the charge with a fiery innings. Pandya struck the ball toward deep mid-wicket, completing a quick single. Sensing an opportunity, he pushed for a risky second run. However, Shankar, stationed at deep mid-wicket, executed a spectacular fielding effort. Collecting the ball cleanly, he unleashed a direct throw at the striker’s end, hitting the stumps with pinpoint accuracy. The third umpire’s review confirmed Pandya’s dismissal, he fell short by inches and was dismissed after a blistering knock of 69 runs off 30 balls, featuring 4 fours and 7 towering sixes.

Here is the video:

Also WATCH: Hardik Pandya takes CSK’s new recruit Gurjapneet Singh to the cleaners in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Even though Pandya’s knock eventually led Baroda to the victory, but Shankar’s brilliant performance cannot be overlooked. Not just with fielding Earlier in the game, Shankar shone with the bat as well, hammering 42 runs off just 22 balls, including four sixes. His standout performance featured three sixes off an over bowled by Pandya, showcasing the fierce rivalry between the two-star all-rounders.

Thrilling last ball encounter in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 

Earlier in the match, asking to bat first, Tamil Nadu posted a formidable total of 221 for a loss of 6 wickets in their 20 overs. Contributions from Shankar, wicket keeper batter Narayan Jagadeesan who scored half-century and others helped the team build a competitive score. However, Baroda’s determined response saw them steadily inch toward the target.

Despite the setback of Pandya’s dismissal, Baroda managed to cross the finish line with three wickets in hand. They scored 222 for a loss of 7 wickets in the last ball of the final over, clinching the match by a narrow margin. This victory marked Baroda’s third consecutive win in the tournament, catapulting them to the top of the Group B points table.

Also READ: Fastest T20 century by an Indian: Urvil Patel breaks Rishabh Pant’s record

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About the Author:
SIDDHARTHA SAWLANI
Siddhartha is a Content Strategist at Cricket Times, holding a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. His passion for cricket was ignited by India’s triumph in the 2011 World Cup. Alongside his dedication to cricket, Siddhartha is an accomplished state-level table tennis player. With a longstanding ambition to become a sports journalist, he brings both academic expertise and a deep enthusiasm for the sport to his role. His admiration for AB de Villiers underscores his commitment to excellence in cricket journalism. You can write to him at siddhartha@crickettimes.com and follow him on Linkedin.