India allrounder Hardik Pandya won hearts with a wonderful gesture during the first semifinal of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy between Baroda and Mumbai at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
During the high-stakes game, a few fans of Hardik invaded the ground to get a glimpse of their favorite cricketer. However, they were stopped in time by the security personnel, who escorted them out of the ground.
While the security was taking out the invaders, Hardik Pandya was seen telling them not to deal rudely with them and asked them to take them calmly in a non-violent way. Hardik’s gesture earned a huge round of applause from the fans present in the stadium, who kept cheering him throughout the game.
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Watch: Hardik Pandya wins hearts with a wonderful gesture
Hardik Pandya tells security guys not to use force on three guys who came to meet him. Got a huge roar from the crowd👏🏻
A beautiful gesture from Hardik Pandya❤️ pic.twitter.com/JxtDaT523q
— Rohan Gangta (@rohan_gangta) December 13, 2024
Pitch invasions are quite common on Indian grounds, especially in such a star-studded affair during a high-stakes game. This match included stars from both teams. While Baroda had the likes of Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya, Mumbai’s team was full of stars.
Mumbai had renowned international players like Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Shardul Thakur in their line-up for this match. It turned out to be a great game for the spectators in the end.
Mumbai defeat Baroda to move into the final
Coming to the match, Mumbai won the toss and elected to field first. Baroda didn’t find it easy against some tight bowling from Mumbai’s bowlers as their batters never got ahead of the game. Krunal Pandya scored an attractive 30 off 24 balls but couldn’t prolong his innings.
Allrounder Hardik Pandya couldn’t score much and was dismissed by Shivam Dube for just 5. Shivalik Sharma and Atit Sheth provided the late impetus to Baroda’s innings as they reached a competitive 158-7 in 20 overs.
In reply, Mumbai lost Prithvi Shaw early as Hardik Pandya provided his team the early breakthrough. But the experienced pair of Ajinkya Rahane and skipper Shreyas Iyer put together a magnificent partnership of 88 runs to put Mumbai ahead in the game.
Ajinkya Rahane shines again for Mumbai
Rahane scored a brilliant 98 off just 56 balls which included 11 fours and 5 sixes. The experienced batter has been in great form in the tournament and has carried Mumbai on his shoulders. On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer scored 46 off 30 balls and struck 4 fours and 3 sixes.
Allrounder Suryansh Shedge finished off the game with a six to take Mumbai to the final. Mumbai will face the winners of the second semi-final between Delhi and Madhya Pradesh in the final which will be played on December 15 on the same ground.
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