NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya smashed the second fastest T20I fifty by an Indian while Tilak Varma struck a fluent 73 as India piled up an imposing 232 run target against South Africa in the fifth and final T20I in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Pandya’s explosive 63 off just 25 balls came at breathtaking pace. His half century arrived in only 16 deliveries, making it the second fastest by an Indian in T20Is. Only Yuvraj Singh’s iconic 12 ball fifty against England in 2007 remains ahead of him.

Record stand turns the tide

Walking in at a time when India’s momentum had dipped, Pandya changed the course of the innings with brutal hitting. He added 105 runs off just 44 balls with Tilak Varma for the fourth wicket, a partnership that completely swung the game back in India’s favour.

Pandya’s innings was packed with five sixes and five fours, with the ball repeatedly disappearing into the stands of the world’s largest cricket stadium. His power and intent stood out as he dismantled the South African bowling attack.

At the other end, Tilak Varma once again played the role of stabiliser with intent. He mixed clean strokeplay with smart rotation of strike to score 73 off 42 balls, an innings that included ten fours and a six. It was his second half century of the series and another strong statement from the young left hander.

Tilak built on the early platform laid by Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, who had given India a fast start at the top.

Abhishek Sharma scored a brisk 34 while Sanju Samson chipped in with 37 as the opening pair put on 63 runs for the first wicket. Neither batter allowed the bowlers to settle, offering a glimpse of a potentially effective opening combination for the format.

Samson, opening in place of the injured India vice captain Shubman Gill, began in style with a six over wide long on off Marco Jansen and followed it up with two authoritative hits straight down the ground against Ottneil Baartman.

Pandya’s return amid cheers

Pandya walked out to loud cheers at his former IPL home ground, shortly after India captain Suryakumar Yadav endured another disappointing outing with a score of 5. The contrast in impact was evident as Pandya immediately seized control.

Samson’s promising knock eventually ended when he was beaten by a superb delivery from George Linde that pitched on leg stump, gripped and crashed into the middle stump.

Samson also enjoyed a slice of luck earlier when a fierce straight drive off Donovan Ferreira burst through the bowler’s hands and struck umpire Rohan Pandit near the knee roll.

Later, one of Pandya’s towering sixes even left a broadcast crew member nursing a bruise on his left bicep as spectators watched balls sail several rows deep into the stands.

It was an innings full of power, momentum shifts and drama as India finished with a total that underlined their batting depth and firepower.

(With PTI Inputs)