Ahmedabad, Dec. 19 -- India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya expressed his enthusiasm to contribute to India's 3-1 series victory over South Africa, and his explosive performance in the fifth T20I earned him the Player of the Match award.

Pandya slammed the second-fastest fifty for India in T20I cricket. He hammered a 16-ball half-century in his 63 off 25 deliveries, including five fours and as many sixes in the fifth and series decider against South Africa in Ahmedabad on Friday. He also took the vital wicket of Dewald Brevis while bowling in the second innings.

"Winning games is what you play for, and it's always exciting when your contribution helps the team get over the line. No, I actually didn't know (he has the second fastest fif...