left handed batsman Abhishek Sharma illuminated the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy (SMAT) Punjab demolished Bengal with a stunning display of power-hitting in the Elite Group C match in Hyderabad on Sunday, November 30.
Opening the innings with Prabhsimran Singh, the left-handed batsman highlighted one of the most impressive T20 innings by an Indian batsman, scoring 148 runs off just 52 balls, breaking a series of domestic records and leading Punjab to a huge total.
India’s experienced fast bowlers are facing the Bengal attack Mohammed ShamiAbhishek completed his half-century in just 12 balls, a hint of the carnage that would follow. His innings, studded with seven fours and 11 sixes, took him to over 300, leaving the bowlers with no answers and fans marveling at his ferocious performance.
Meanwhile, Shami gave 61 runs in his quota of 4 overs.
Half century in 12 balls, century in 32 balls: Abhishek Sharma rewrites the record books
Abhishek’s innings will go down as one of the most statistically significant in Indian T20 history. His 12-ball half-century is now the second fastest T20 half-century scored by an Indian, just behind Ashutosh Sharma’s 11-ball half-century for Railways against Arunachal Pradesh. The left-handed batsman maintained his sensational pace to complete his century in 32 balls, making it the third fastest T20 century by an Indian in all competitions.
As Punjab’s innings progressed, the tables started falling. Abhishek hit 17 sixes, the second most in a single SMAT match, and established his dominance as one of the most dangerous young batsmen in the domestic circuit. His ability to maintain a clean hitting zone, especially at midwicket and long-on, left Bengal struggling to respond throughout the powerplay and beyond.
Abhishek’s record first wicket partnership with Prabhsimran Singh took Punjab to 310.
Performing brilliantly, Abhishek and Prabhasimran posted a record-breaking opening partnership of 205 runs, which is now officially the highest partnership for the first wicket in SMAT history. Their relentless aggression ensured that Punjab dominated from the start, putting the Bengal bowlers under immediate pressure in Hyderabad’s batting-friendly conditions.
When Punjab’s innings eventually ended at 310, it was only the second instance of a team crossing the 300-run mark in SMAT history. The only previous occurrence was in 2023 when Baroda scored 349 against Sikkim. Abhishek’s brilliant innings played a decisive role, with Prabhasimran providing consistent support to keep the momentum going.
148: Second highest individual score ever in Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy
Abhishek’s blistering 148 is now the second-highest individual score in SMAT history, missing the all-time mark by a narrow margin, but comfortably registering his name among the elite of the format. His cool head at the crease, combined with relentless aggression, displays a perfect blend of timing and brute force.
For Punjab, this innings sets the tone for their SMAT campaign, showcasing the depth and firepower of their top order. For Abhishek, it has been another brilliant performance, cementing his credentials as a match-winner at both the domestic and international level.
Also read: 10 sixes, 12 fours – CSK batsman Urvil Patel scored century in 31 balls in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
