RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya led from the front with a breathtaking unbeaten century as Baroda ran riot against Hyderabad, piling up a colossal 417/4 in their Vijay Hazare Trophy clash in Rajkot on Wednesday.
Walking in after the top order had already seized control, the Baroda skipper played a blistering knock of 109 off just 63 balls, striking the ball cleanly and ensuring the scoring rate never dipped. His calculated aggression and sharp running between the wickets kept Hyderabad under relentless pressure throughout the innings.
Baroda’s top order tears Hyderabad apart as Krunal Pandya scored a century
Before Krunal Pandya took over, Baroda’s openers had already dismantled Hyderabad’s bowling attack with ruthless efficiency. Nitya Pandya and Amit Pasi stitched together a monumental 230-run opening partnership, completely knocking the opposition out of the contest.
Nitya played the anchor role to perfection, compiling a composed 122 off 110 deliveries, while Pasi provided the fireworks at the other end with a brutal 127 off just 93 balls. The duo’s dominance set the tone for what turned into a nightmarish outing for Hyderabad.
Even after the openers were dismissed, Baroda showed no signs of slowing down. Although two quick wickets briefly fell, Krunal Pandya ensured there was no collapse. He was well supported by Bhanu Pania, who remained unbeaten on 42 off 27 balls, as the pair added an unbroken 115-run stand to finish the innings in emphatic fashion.
Baroda eventually closed at a staggering 417/4, scoring at an imposing run rate of 8.34 runs per over. Hyderabad’s bowlers had a torrid time, with Rakshann and Nitin Yadav conceding 75 and 77 runs respectively, as the fielding side was left chasing leather.
Following the run-fest, Baroda sit fourth in Group B with eight points, while Hyderabad languish in seventh place, still searching for their first win of the tournament.
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