Abhishek Sharma smashes record-equalling 28-ball century in SMAT

Punjab skipper Abhishek Sharma, known for power-hitting brilliance, delivered a jaw-dropping performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), equalling the record for the fastest T20 century by an Indian in men's T20s.

The left-hander hammered an unbeaten 106 off just 29 balls, reaching his century in a mere 28 deliveries during Punjab's clash against Meghalaya at the Niranjan Shah Stadium C in Rajkot on Thursday.

Abhishek Sharma Century Punjab vs Meghalaya SMAT 2024

Chasing a modest target of 143, Abhishek blazed to his half-century in just 12 balls and completed the milestone in record time. He matched Gujarat's Urvil Patel, who had also smashed an explosive 28-ball ton earlier in the tournament against Tripura.


Punjab reached the target in just 9.3 overs, thanks to Abhishek's fireworks, which included 11 sixes and eight fours.

The innings marked a stunning return to form for Abhishek, who had endured a lean patch in the tournament, amassing just 149 runs in his previous six innings with only one half-century.

Also Read: SMAT 2024: Baroda create history, break record for highest ever T20 score

In addition to his batting heroics, the 23-year-old showcased his all-round skills by picking two wickets for 24 runs in his four-over spell, helping Punjab restrict Meghalaya to 142-7 in 20 overs.

Globally, Abhishek's feat ranks just behind the all-time fastest T20 century—an incredible 27-ball effort by Estonia's Sahil Chauhan against Cyprus.

SMAT 2024: More records tumble

This was not it for a Thursday morning as cricket fans were in for a treat with records continuing to tumble in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

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Baroda smashed the highest score in T20 history against Sikkim. Krunal Pandya-led team hammered 349 for five in 20 overs in Indore, with Bhanu Pania emerging as the most destructive batter with an unbeaten 51-ball 134.

He smashed five fours and 11 sixes.

Baroda also hit a record 37 sixes in their gigantic total, which was also the first 300-plus T20 team score by an Indian outfit.

Sikkim struggled to 86 for seven in the run chase, handing Baroda a 263-run win in the tournament.