The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 has captured the spotlight in limited-overs cricket, with star Indian players like Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar gracing the competition, boosting their respective state teams. However, amidst all the star power, emerging players have stolen the show, putting up remarkable performances that have eclipsed the international stars. This was evident in the thrilling match between Baroda and Sikkim, where Baroda set a new record by posting a massive 349/5 in 20 overs, breaking Zimbabwe’s recent record of 344. In addition, the Baroda team smashed a record 37 sixes, a new milestone in the competition, making a bold statement without their star player, Hardik Pandya, who has led the team to numerous victories this season.
Baroda Scores 349/5 in 20 Overs
The incredible total of 349/5 was headlined by a stunning century from Bhanu Punia, who scored 134 off just 51 balls, including 5 fours and 15 sixes. Punia also set the record for the fastest fifty in the tournament. The team continued to impress with explosive contributions from young talents such as Abimanyu Singh (53 off 17 balls), Shivalik Sharma (55 off 17 balls), and Vishnu Solanki (50 off 16 balls). These three batters alone hit 17 sixes between them, further highlighting the power-hitting dominance of Baroda. In response, Sikkim was left reeling, managing only 86/7 in their 20 overs, allowing Baroda to win by a massive 263-run margin, marking one of the most dominant performances in domestic cricket.
Despite the record-breaking performances, all the players, except for Shivalik Sharma, who was recently bought by Mumbai Indians, went unsold in the IPL auction. However, this platform gave them the exposure they needed to make a name for themselves. Bhanu Punia, in an interview, revealed that he had previously attended trials with Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, where he impressed with a quick-fire 12-ball 50 during the CSK trials. Punia expressed his desire to play for Mumbai Indians in the future alongside Hardik Pandya, whom he admires greatly.
Abhishek Sharma's Record Ton
The record-breaking performances continue in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as Abhishek Sharma blasted a 28-ball century against Meghalaya, scoring an incredible 106 off just 29 balls. This remarkable feat marked his fourth ton in the competition and set a new record as the fastest-ever century in the history of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Abhishek's explosive knock included 11 sixes and 8 fours, showcasing his immense hitting power and consistency. Known for his talent, Abhishek Sharma continues to impress, and his performances in the tournament only keep getting better, solidifying his place as one of the brightest young stars in domestic cricket.
The record-breaking day in the SMAT 2025 will be remembered as a showcase of next-generation talent, with young players proving their abilities at the right time on the domestic stage. It serves as a stepping stone for many, offering the exposure needed to potentially propel them into the national spotlight, while also highlighting the depth of talent in Indian domestic cricket.
