Punjab made an explosive start in their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 Elite Group C clash against Baroda, with captain Abhishek Sharma going after Hardik Pandya in the opening overs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
After opting to bat first, Punjab raced to 22/0 in just 2 overs, thanks largely to Abhishek’s aggressive intent. The left-hander smashed 20 off just 6 balls, including a six and three boundaries, taking 12 runs off Hardik Pandya’s very first over.
Prabhsimran Singh, at the other end, is on 2 off 6, playing a steady role while Abhishek attacks from the front.
For Baroda, Hardik Pandya conceded 12 in his opening over while Rasikh Dar Salam went for 10 in the other, as Punjab’s opening pair stamped authority early.
With both Pandya brothers in the XI and Punjab’s top-order firing immediately, the contest is already shaping into a high-intensity SMAT battle.
