Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Stellar Performances by Sanju, Yuzvendra, Samad and Shahbaz Light Up Thrilling Encounters

The ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) has seen a series of remarkable individual performances, with players like Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Tilak Varma delivering match-winning efforts in their respective games.

Hyderabad’s Tilak Varma stole the spotlight with a record-breaking innings against Meghalaya. The 22-year-old became the first cricketer in men’s or women’s cricket to score three consecutive T20 centuries. Varma smashed 151 off just 67 balls, including 14 fours and 10 sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 225.37, setting the highest individual score in SMAT history. His innings propelled Hyderabad to a massive total of 248/4, with Meghalaya collapsing for just 69 runs in reply.

Varma’s historic knock also marked the first instance of an Indian male cricketer scoring 150-plus in T20 cricket. In women’s cricket, Kiran Navgire holds the record for the highest score with 162 runs for Nagaland in 2022.

Sanju Samson continued his stellar form, leading Kerala to victory against Services. Chasing a target of 150, Samson’s composed 75 off 45 balls anchored the innings, overcoming mid-game hurdles to ensure a successful chase. This performance comes on the back of his impressive T20I record of three centuries in his last five matches.

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was the standout performer for Haryana in their match against Manipur. Chahal’s devastating spell of 4/9 dismantled the opposition, securing a dominant win for Haryana. His performance underscored his prowess in the shortest format.

Jammu & Kashmir’s Abdul Samad showcased his power-hitting ability against Jharkhand. Walking in under pressure, Samad smashed an unbeaten 74 off just 29 balls, propelling his team to an imposing 224/4. Jharkhand was unable to mount a challenge, handing Jammu & Kashmir a convincing victory.

Bengal’s Shahbaz Ahmed delivered a heroic all-round performance against Punjab. After his team stumbled to 10/4 in pursuit of a 180-run target, Ahmed rescued the innings with an extraordinary unbeaten 100 off 49 balls, guiding Bengal to a thrilling win. Earlier, he also chipped in with a wicket, making his contribution pivotal.

Hardik Pandya led Baroda to a five-wicket win over Gujarat in their SMAT opener at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Chasing 185, Pandya smashed an unbeaten 74 off 35 balls, including six fours and five sixes, at a strike rate of 211.43. He was well-supported by Shivalik Sharma, who contributed 64 off 43 balls. Despite a commendable effort by Gujarat’s Ravi Bishnoi, who took two wickets, Baroda achieved the target with three balls to spare.

Despite a valiant 70 off 38 balls by Rinku Singh, Uttar Pradesh fell short against Delhi, losing by 47 runs. Singh’s aggressive innings was the lone highlight for UP in an otherwise lackluster performance.