[Watch] Enthusiastic fans run onto the field to hug Hardik Pandya during Mumbai vs Baroda SMAT 2024 semifinal

A video has emerged online of enthusiastic fans running onto the field at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, during the first semifinal of the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy between Baroda and Mumbai, to hug Hardik Pandya. Mumbai won the match by six wickets to enter the final.

The supporters hugged Pandya before being escorted off the field by security personnel. Interestingly, the India all-rounder was seen instructing the security men to go easy on the fans and not take any harsh actions, all the while being cheered by the raucous crowd.

The incident occurred in the second innings when Baroda were fielding. Pandya's side batted first in the game played on Friday, December 13, and put up a decent total of 158-7 in 20 overs. Although Hardik Pandya got out for 5, Krunal Pandya (30) and Shivalik Sharma (36) did well for the side.

In reply, Mumbai were helped by veteran Ajinkya Rahane's 98 and skipper Shreyas Iyer's 46 to coast to a comfortable victory. Both India batters were unfortunate to not reach their respective milestones. Pandya, meanwhile, finished with figures of 4-0-29-1 with the ball.

Here's the video of the incident:

Mumbai book their place in the SMAT final

With their win over Baroda in the first semifinal, Mumbai have booked a place in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), which will be played on Sunday, December 15, in Bengaluru. Delhi and Madhya Pradesh are currently playing the second semifinal.

Mumbai have won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy just once, in the 2022-23 season, and will be keen on adding to their tally. This will go well with their ever-burgeoning cabinet that houses 42 Ranji Trophies, 14 Irani Cups and four Vijay Hazare trophies.