Hardik Pandya told girlfriend Mahieka Sharma he would try to hit first-ball six: 'It was my day'

Hardik Pandya kept a promise with a first-ball six. (Photo: BCCI)

Hardik Pandya, 32, was at the top of his game, scoring 63 runs off 25 balls with five boundaries and as many maximums to help the hosts reach 231 runs in the fifth and final Twenty20 International against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Hardik demonstrated his utility not only with the bat but also with the ball, eliminating danger man Dewald Brevis to help India win by 30 runs. Coming out all guns blazing, Hardik blasted the first ball he encountered for a six off Corbin Bosch's bowling.

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Speaking following the victory in Ahmedabad and receiving Player of the Match, Hardik said that it felt like it "was his day." He had made a promise to his girlfriend, Maheika Sharma, and his teammates that he would attempt to hit the first ball he faced for a six. And that's precisely what took place.

Hardik scored the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in Twenty20 Internationals, only surpassed by Yuvraj Singh.

“I had told my teammates and my partner earlier in the day that I was going to step out on the first ball itself and try to hit it for a six. I felt that it was my day. I was confident it would come off,” Hardik said during the post-match presentation.

“I don't play cricket to win Player of the Match awards. I've always played to win games for my country,” he added.

Hardik's girlfriend was seen in the stands during the fifth Twenty20 International. The all-rounder threw flying kisses at Maheika after reaching his half-century.

In the 14th over, Hardik struck George Linde for 20 runs in four balls, giving him the same treatment as Bosch.

On batting against Linde, Hardik said, “He bowled well to me in New Chandigarh, and that stayed in my mind. Today, the situation suited my style. I took a calculated risk, backed myself, and it worked. No matter how many setbacks you face, it's about coming back stronger. The journey, the preparation and the hard work never stop.”

Hardik scored 142 runs, including two fifties, in the four games he played in the five-game series against South Africa. He also returned with three wickets with the ball.