Fans turned up in good numbers in Hyderabad to watch Hardik back in action. During the game, one of his fans even broke onto the field, sprinted towards him and managed to take a selfie before security escorted him away.

Baroda had a rough start in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, going down to Bengal and Puducherry in their first two games, but they steadied themselves with a win over Himachal Pradesh. Hardik, who last turned out for India in the Asia Cup clash against Sri Lanka on September 26, suited up for Baroda against Punjab to showcase his match fitness ahead of the T20I series against South Africa.

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Hardik opened the bowling attack for Baroda, but things didn’t work out well for him with the ball on his return. He ended up leaking 52 runs in his four overs while claiming a wicket of Anmolpreet Singh for 69.

Abhishek Sharma shines again

Meanwhile, Punjab star opener Abhishek Sharma stole the show once again, lighting up the SMAT with a blistering assault. The world No. 1 T20I batter, who smashed a staggering 148 off 52 balls against Bengal just two days earlier, picked up right where he left off. Opening the innings for Punjab, Abhishek blasted 50 off only 19 deliveries, clearing the ropes with ease as he struck 5 fours and 4 sixes during his whirlwind stay at the crease.

According to a report on PTI, Hardik is also expected to play in the December 4 game between Baroda and Gujarat, with national selector Pragyan Ojha in attendance, to assess his overall fitness before the squad is announced.