SMAT 2025: Abhishek Sharma slams 32-ball century against Mohammed Shami-led Bengal bowling attack

Abhishek Sharma. (Source:JioHotstar)

Abhishek Sharma played one of the most incredible knocks in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history, as he slammed 148 runs off just 52 balls against Bengal’s strong bowling attack at the Gymkhana Ground in Hyderabad on Sunday, November 30.

Opting to bat first, the Punjab captain hit the ground running, as he raced to his half-century off just 12 balls. He hit five fours and as many sixes en route to the milestone. However, he wasn’t content with getting his team off to a blistering start, as he went on to register his eighth century in the shortest format. Abhishek took just 32 balls to get to the three-figure mark.

Abhishek is now only behind Virat Kohli in the list of most T20 centuries by an Indian batter. The former India skipper has nine centuries from 397 innings, while Abhishek brought up his eighth in just 157.

Even after registering a mind-boggling century, Abhishek continued the onslaught as there was no respite for the Bengal bowlers. He was eventually dismissed in the 18th over by Akash Deep. The 25-year-old smashed 148 off just 52 balls during his epic knock. He belted eight fours and 16 sixes at a staggering strike rate of 284.62.

It was a splendid effort from Abhishek, especially because of the quality of the opposition bowling attack. Apart from Deep, the line-up included international bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Shahbaz Ahmed. However, none of them was spared.

Apart from Abhishek, Prabhsimran Singh (70 off 35), Ramandeep Singh (39 off 15), and Sanvir Singh (22 off 8) played scintillating knocks as Punjab finished on a whopping 310/5 in their 20 overs. This was a statement performance from Punjab after they lost their previous game against Haryana in the Super Over.

Bengal, who have won both games they have played so far, will have their task cut out when they walk out to bat in the second innings.

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