Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya marked a memorable moment with a unique celebration after producing a historic, rapid-fire half-century in the fifth T20I against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday, December 19. He brought up the landmark in just 16 balls, registering the second-fastest T20I fifty ever by an Indian batter.
Pandya went on the attack immediately after walking in following Suryakumar Yadav’s dismissal in the 13th over. He struck six boundaries in his first seven balls, racing to 31 in quick time. The onslaught continued in the 17th over as he took on his franchise teammate Corbin Bosch, smashing three more boundaries, including a majestic six over midwicket to reach his half-century.
Upon completing the milestone, Pandya celebrated by blowing flying kisses towards his girlfriend, Maheika Sharma, who was present in the stands. You can watch the video here:
HARDIK PANDYA GIVING A FLYING KISS. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/T2ULZUuX8I
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 19, 2025
The star all-rounder had previously smashed a 17-ball half-century in a 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He bettered that effort by a delivery this time, setting a new personal milestone at the international level.
Hardik Pandya Blasts 63 Off 25 As India Post 231/5 In IND Vs SA 5th T20I
A near-flawless batting performance from Team India, despite losing the toss, resulted in the posting of a formidable total. Valuable early contributions from Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma were followed by a dominant second-half display, as Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya forged a decisive partnership that propelled the hosts into a commanding position and firmly set them on course for a comprehensive series victory.
India’s 231/5 now stands as their 11th-highest total in T20I cricket and the second-highest recorded at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It is also their third-biggest T20I score against South Africa, behind their efforts in Johannesburg in 2024 and Guwahati in 2022.
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