SMAT 2025-26: Hardik wins battle against Abhishek as Baroda defeats Punjab in a high-scoring affair

There was palpable tension for Baroda’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash with Punjab, for it was billed as the big-ticket event of the series. It was Hardik Pandya vs Abhishek Sharma, the wily veteran vs the hot-blooded youngster.

Fans turned up in larger numbers at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday, and the two (players and teams) did not disappoint. Abhishek Sharma, fresh from his breathtaking century against Bengal, brought out the pyrotechnics early, as he always does.

Powered by five boundaries and four sixes, he brought up his fifty in 18 balls, but couldn’t consolidate further, falling to Raj Lambani’s change of pace.

A former Sunrisers Hyderabad man, Anmolpreet Singh’s familiarity with the venue showed in his 32-ball 69 (7×4, 4×6) to help Punjab set a 223-run target.

Baroda was buoyed by a 66-run opening stand between Vishnu Solakni and Shashwat Rawat. Solanki’s dismissal brought in Hardik, who dished out the same treatment he was accorded in the Punjab innings. A 101-run partnership off 60 balls with Shivalik Sharma kept the asking rate well in control.

With 13 runs needed off nine balls, Hardik then turned on the afterburners, smacking consecutive sixes to put Baroda a whisker away from victory, which was sealed by a cheeky boundary from Jitesh Sharma.

Abhishek Sharma, fresh from his breathtaking century against Bengal, brought out the pyrotechnics early, as he always does.
| Photo Credit:
KVS GIRI

In more subdued settings later in the day, Haryana registered a six-wicket win against Services. Nakul Sharma’s half-century helped the latter set a modest 158-run target. While Haryana stumbled regularly, Ankit Kumar’s unbeaten 78 ensured his side came away with its campaign’s second win.

Gujarat, Bengal win

At the Gymkhana Ground, Gujarat’s Japagnya Bhatt and Ravi Bishnoi put the squeeze on Pondicherry, picking three wickets each to bundle it out for 83. Aarya Desai’s unbeaten 53 ensured Gujarat’s chase was a cakewalk, with 11 overs to spare.

Later, Bengal bounced back from the drubbing at the hands of Punjab with a triumph over Himachal Pradesh. Ekant Sen and Pukhraj Mann’s half-centuries set up Himachal’s 209-target.

Abishek Porel and Karan Lal’s 105-run stand dictated the proceedings. Karun’s maiden T20 century – 113 off 50 balls – sealed a five-wicket win for Bengal.

Published on Dec 02, 2025