Punjab captain Abhishek Sharma blasted a 32-ball T20 hundred against Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite Group C match at the Gymkhana Ground in Hyderabad. His breathtaking knock lit up the tournament and equaled Yuvraj Singh’s joint-second fastest T20 fifty by an Indian. The innings immediately became one of the most talked-about performances in domestic cricket.
Abhishek Sharma’s Record-Breaking Knock
Opening the innings, Sharma stormed to a rapid fifty in just 12 balls, smashing five fours and five sixes. He then accelerated further, reaching his century in only 32 balls with seven boundaries and 11 towering sixes.
His aggressive batting dismantled Bengal’s experienced bowling attack, including Mohammed Shami, who conceded 23 runs in a single over. The left-hander’s innings showcased his ability to dominate in short formats after a string of quiet starts earlier in the competition.
Punjab’s Dominant Start
Partner Prabhsimran Singh added to the fireworks with a 24-ball fifty, ensuring Punjab raced to 163 without loss after just 10 overs. The team’s run rate hovered near 16.30, underlining the sheer dominance of the batting duo. Sharma eventually finished with 148 runs off 52 balls, including 16 sixes, breaking his own record for most T20 sixes in a calendar year.
Selectors and Fans Take Notice
According to Cricbuzz, Sharma’s innings has reignited discussions about his potential inclusion in India’s upcoming white-ball squads. His ability to score at an extraordinary strike rate has drawn comparisons with some of India’s most explosive hitters. Fans on social media hailed the knock as “carnage,” while experts noted that such performances could not be ignored by selectors.
With Punjab’s emphatic start and Sharma’s record-breaking hundred, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has once again proven to be a breeding ground for future stars. The innings will be remembered as one of the most destructive knocks in domestic T20 history.
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