Watch: Hardik Pandya enjoys late-night Ahmedabad drive with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma after 5th T20I heroics
Hardik Pandya was spotted enjoying a late-night drive in Ahmedabad with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma after his match-winning performance in the 5th T20I against South Africa, where the India all-rounder clinched the Player of the Match award.
Friday night in Ahmedabad was more than just runs, records, and a series victory; it featured a tender, off-field moment that captured the fans' interest. After Hardik Pandya dominated South Africa in the fifth T20I, his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma shared a glimpse of the ensuing celebration, which quickly circulated on social media.
Pandya was in top form at the Narendra Modi Stadium, smashing a 16-ball fifty. Once the task was accomplished, emotions overflowed. Cameras captured Hardik sending flying kisses to Mahieka, who was in the stands witnessing the action unfold.
Later, Hardik was seen relishing the company of his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma, as the couple drove around late into the night.
The video of their outing went viral, showing Hardik seemingly enjoying music with his partner while driving. The couple had every reason to celebrate after Hardik was awarded the player of the match on his return to his hometown.
— Thala Nation (@dhoniarmy07) December 20, 2025
This celebration followed a remarkable performance. Pandya scored 63 runs off 25 balls, reaching his half-century in just 16 deliveries, marking the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in T20Is. He earned the Player of the Match title as India triumphed over South Africa by 30 runs, securing the series 3-1.
India amassed runs thanks to a solid partnership between Pandya and Tilak Varma, with contributions from Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube adding to the total. Surpassing 230 runs on a black-soil pitch was always going to put South Africa under pressure.
During the chase, the game shifted dramatically when Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy entered the fray. From a position of comfort, the Proteas faltered, with Chakravarthy claiming four wickets and Bumrah dismantling the backbone of their chase.