IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya scores 50 off just 16 balls against South Africa

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All-rounder Hardik Pandya produced one of the most explosive innings in recent T20I history, smashing a sensational half-century off just 16 balls to propel India towards a massive total in the fifth and final T20I against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Pandya, coming in at No. 5 after captain Suryakumar Yadav's early dismissal, unleashed carnage on the Proteas bowling attack. He reached his fifty with a towering six off Corbin Bosch, earning a roaring standing ovation from the packed crowd and even from former India opener Gautam Gambhir in the commentary box.

This blistering knock marks the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian, behind only Yuvraj Singh's iconic 12-ball effort. It is also the fastest half-century by an Indian on home soil.

Partnering with Tilak Varma, who notched up a steady 30-ball fifty of his own, Pandya turned the game on its head. The duo added over 60 runs in quick time, with Pandya going berserk - including a sequence that featured multiple sixes and fours.

One of his massive hits even accidentally struck a cameraman near the dugout, highlighting the sheer power behind his shots. The batting blitzkrieg of Hardik is a massive boost for the team India management, especially ahead of the T20 World Cup.

With the series finely poised after earlier results, Pandya's fireworks have put India in a commanding position. Pandya ended up scoring 63 runs off 25 balls as India has amassed 231 runs after batting first in the match.