Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s shines with Hat-Trick in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

In a thrilling day of cricket at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Uttar Pradesh skipper Bhuvneshwar Kumar showcased his class with a sensational hat-trick, helping his team secure a narrow 10-run victory over Jharkhand. Defending 161, Bhuvneshwar turned the tide in the 17th over, dismissing Robin Minz, Bal Krishna, and Vivekanand Tiwari with the first three deliveries of the over. The hat-trick came in a triple-wicket maiden, earning him exceptional figures of 3/6.

The performance followed his acquisition by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹10.75 crore at the 2025 IPL Mega Auction in Jeddah. Despite the victory, Uttar Pradesh remains sixth in Group B with 8 points, and Bhuvneshwar has now tallied nine wickets in the tournament.

Baroda etched its name in the record books by posting the highest-ever T20 total of 349/5 against Sikkim at the Emerald High School Ground in Indore. This massive score surpassed Zimbabwe’s previous record of 344/4 against Gambia in Nairobi. Sikkim, overwhelmed by the target, could only muster 86/7 in response.

Adding to the excitement, Punjab opener Abhishek Sharma smashed the second-fastest T20 century ever, blasting an unbeaten 106 off just 29 balls. His incredible knock included 11 sixes and 8 fours as Punjab chased Meghalaya’s target of 143 in just 9.3 overs at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Achieving his ton in 28 balls, Abhishek equaled Gujarat wicketkeeper-batter Urvil Patel’s record, set earlier in the tournament, at a staggering strike rate of 365.52.

Gujarat’s Axar Patel delivered an all-round masterclass, hammering 56 off 20 balls and claiming 2/22 with the ball to steer his team to a commanding 251/5 against Karnataka. Karnataka could only respond with 203, with Axar earning Player of the Match honors.

Ruturaj Gaikwad powered Maharashtra to a dominant win with a scintillating 97 off 48 balls, setting a target of 232 for Services, who fell short at 190/8. Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane, recently signed by Kolkata Knight Riders, displayed his T20 prowess with a superb 95 off 54 balls, guiding Mumbai to chase down Andhra Pradesh’s imposing 230-run target.

Rajasthan’s target of 153 proved insufficient against Bengal, thanks to Abishek Porel’s match-winning 78 off 48 balls, which helped Bengal chase the score in 18.3 overs. Despite Mohammed Shami’s impressive figures of 3/26, Bengal emerged victorious.

In another high-stakes clash, Ashutosh Sharma’s unbeaten 50* off 22 balls sealed a comfortable win for Railways, chasing down Puducherry’s target of 176.