From sixes to flying kiss: Hardik Pandya dominates, Mahieka Sharma charms the internet – IND vs ZIM, T20 World Cup 2026

Table of Contents

As India fight to keep their T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal hopes alive, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is winning hearts both on and off the field. While his blazing fifties and crucial wickets have propelled India through critical matches, his blossoming romance with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma has emerged as the tournament’s most charming subplot – capturing millions of hearts across social media platforms.

The most viral moment of India’s campaign came during the must-win Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on February 26. After smashing a breathtaking 23-ball fifty – his second half-century of the edition – Pandya celebrated his milestone in style by blowing flying kisses to the stands, directed squarely at Mahieka Sharma, who was present cheering for him.

The moment, captured live by broadcast cameras, quickly spread across social media platforms.

The way Hardik Pandya gave a flying kiss to his girlfriend Mahika Sharma after smashing 50 (23) vs Zim in the T20 World Cup 2026. 🔥

Giving Neymar vibes — Hardik is truly the Neymar of cricket. 💀

— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) February 27, 2026

Pandya finished the innings in spectacular fashion, hitting two consecutive sixes off the last two balls to reach his fifty and propel India to a mammoth 256/4. Tilak Varma, standing at the non-striker’s end, reminded Pandya of his milestone, prompting the all-rounder to raise his bat before delivering the romantic gesture .

During India’s final group-stage match against the Netherlands on February 18, he was also spotted blowing a kiss to Mahieka after playing a crucial 30-run knock at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Pandya and Mahieka’s relationship was officially confirmed in late 2025, more than a year after his divorce from Natasa Stankovic . Since then, the model has been a constant presence at India’s World Cup matches, travelling to every venue where the team plays.

Mahieka Sharma on Hardik Pandya six#INDvsZIM #T20WorldCup #T20WC2026 #T20WorldCup26

— Achyut Kumar Dwivedi (@dwivediachyut41) February 26, 2026

Even before the tournament began, the couple made headlines when they were spotted walking hand-in-hand through the team hotel lobby – with Pandya famously wearing a bathrobe at the time. The moment, captured on video, amused fans and demonstrated the couple’s comfort with public displays of affection.

Mahieka, a 25-year-old model and fitness enthusiast from Gujarat, has built a substantial social media following. Beyond her glamorous profession, she holds a degree in economics and finance and has worked with prestigious brands including Tanishq, Vivo and Uniqlo.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – India vs West Indies Super 8 Ticket Prices, Booking Details

Beyond the viral moments and romantic gestures, Mahieka’s influence on Pandya’s professional life has been equally significant. In candid interviews during the World Cup, Pandya credited his girlfriend with helping him rediscover his passion for cricket.

“A lot of credit goes to the loved ones which I had. Special mention to my partner as well. She’s been nothing but the best to me since she has entered my life and a lot of great things have happened since she has arrived,” Pandya told the media.

He revealed that conversations with Mahieka about the sport brought back what he called his “childhood enthusiasm.” This renewed mindset has translated into performances – Pandya has scored 155 runs in six innings at a strike rate exceeding 150, while also claiming five crucial wickets. His recent Player of the Match performance against Zimbabwe exemplified this resurgence.

Also READ: Virat Kohli’s dream list – Qualities he wishes to inherit from SRK, Dhoni, Ronaldo, Messi, Tendulkar, Taylor Swift and The Rock