NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya led Baroda's recovery from the front, smashing his way to a maiden List A century during the Vijay Hazare Trophy clash against Vidarbha at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Saturday.

Pandya reached the milestone in emphatic style, taking Parth Rekhade to the cleaners with five consecutive sixes, followed by a four to complete his hundred off just 68 balls.

India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya came to the crease with Baroda in a precarious position, struggling at 71 for five in the 20th over. Batting at number seven, he initially took his time to get settled, reaching his half-century in 44 balls.

Once set, Pandya unleashed his full arsenal, accelerating spectacularly to a century in just 24 balls, turning the innings on its head.

Pandya's blitzkrieg came to an end when he was caught by Atharva Taide off Yash Thakur. He finished with a sensational 133 off 92 balls, smashing 11 sixes and 8 fours.

This match marked Pandya's first appearance for Baroda in this season's 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy. His last outing in the format had been for India in the Champions Trophy in March 2025.

Across his career, the 32-year-old has played 119 List A matches, including 94 ODIs for India, eight for India A, and 17 for Baroda. Before this, his highest score was 92 not out against Australia in Canberra in 2020.

With over 2,300 runs in List A cricket, Pandya's explosive knock highlighted why he remains one of India's premier all-rounders.