Veteran Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya produced a breathtaking knock in the fifth T20 International against South Africa, smashing the second-fastest half-century by an Indian in the format at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Hardik Pandya’s homecoming marked by fireworks
Pandya reached the landmark in just 16 balls, narrowly missing Yuvraj Singh’s all-time Indian record for the fastest T20I fifty. The innings came at a venue that has held special significance for Pandya, having served as his IPL home during his stint as Gujarat Titans captain before his return to Mumbai Indians.
The contest against South Africa, therefore, felt like a homecoming for the talismanic all-rounder—and he made the most of the familiar conditions with a display of fearless, clean striking.
With Ahmedabad known to be a difficult venue for defending totals, Pandya adopted an ultra-aggressive approach from the outset. He took particular liking to South Africa’s spin option George Linde, launching him into the stands as India looked to push the scoring rate.
Pandya’s explosive 16-ball fifty not only lifted the crowd but also etched his name into India’s T20I record books, underlining his ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.
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