Abhishek Sharma's Explosive 32-Ball Century Demolishes Bengal in SMAT 2025

Punjab captain Abhishek Sharma stunned cricket fans worldwide with an extraordinary batting display against Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. On November 30 at Hyderabad's Gymkhana Ground, Sharma unleashed an explosive innings, scoring a blistering 148 runs off just 52 deliveries, including a sensational century in 32 balls. This innings marked one of the fastest T20 hundreds in Indian domestic cricket history and showcased Sharma’s prowess as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the format today.​

From the very first ball, Sharma set the tone for his innings with aggressive strokes that rattled the Bengal bowling attack, especially the Indian pacers Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep. His rapid-fire 50 came in just 12 balls, equalling Yuvraj Singh’s record for the joint second-fastest fifty by an Indian in T20 cricket. This phase was studded with five fours and five towering sixes, and only one dot ball, signaling a relentless assault on the bowlers. Sharma's incredible strike rate during this power-packed start lifted Punjab’s run rate significantly and put the opposition on the back foot early in the game.​

Sharma’s ability to maintain his momentum after the fifty was remarkable. He quickly propelled himself towards his hundred, reaching the milestone in 32 balls, making it the joint third-fastest T20 hundred by an Indian batsman. Throughout his innings, Sharma displayed an impressive mix of timing, power, and placement, hammering a total of 16 sixes and eight fours. This innings not only equalled some of the fastest T20 scoring records but also illustrated his exceptional skill set in adapting to pressure and exploiting the smallest scoring opportunities. His aggressive approach dismantled Bengal’s bowling attack, with Shami conceding runs heavily and Akash Deep struggling to contain the onslaught.​

Notably, Sharma's innings also equalled Rohit Sharma’s record for the most T20 hundreds by an Indian player, with both holding eight centuries, a tally second only to Virat Kohli’s nine T20 hundreds in Indian cricket history. This innings further cemented Sharma’s reputation as a prolific run-scorer and a dependable match-winner for Punjab. His knock was instrumental in driving Punjab to a massive total of 310/5, which was the second-highest score posted in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 season.​

Partnering with Sharma was Prabhsimran Singh, who contributed a quickfire 70 runs off 35 balls, further strengthening Punjab’s formidable total. The combination placed immense pressure on Bengal’s innings, which ultimately struggled to keep pace with the required run rate. Sharma was finally dismissed in the 18th over by Akash Deep, but by then, he had already left an indelible mark on the match.​

This innings was Sharma’s fifth century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, breaking new ground and establishing him as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the tournament’s history. Moreover, it was Sharma’s eighth overall T20 century across various leagues and formats, a testament to his consistency and explosive batting skills at the highest levels of competition. Fans and experts alike hailed it as a career-defining knock that echoed the explosive styles of legends like Yuvraj Singh and AB de Villiers.​

Abhishek Sharma’s rise in T20 cricket has been meteoric. Born in Amritsar, Punjab, he burst onto the domestic and international scene with promising performances that showcased his flair and power-hitting capability. In recent years, including 2025, he has climbed to top rankings in T20I batting, becoming one of the youngest Indians to achieve such heights. His contributions in the Asia Cup, IPL, and domestic circuits have been pivotal, marked by high strike rates and consistent boundary-hitting.​

Sharma’s 32-ball century is reflective of his aggressive batting mindset and his ability to dominate bowlers regardless of the conditions. He combines elegance with power, often switching gears seamlessly from calculated singles and boundaries to piledriving sixes with ease. Against Bengal, he targeted short balls with pulls and hooks, while lofting full deliveries over cover and long-on. This variety made him nearly impossible to bowl at, as evidenced by the bowlers' economy rates soaring above 15 runs per over.​

This innings also carries special significance as it came against a strong Bengal side featuring experienced bowlers, including former India pacer Mohammed Shami. Sharma’s ability to dismantle such high-caliber opponents speaks volumes about his temperament and skill under pressure. Shami, known for his death-over expertise, was taken apart early, conceding 34 runs in limited overs. Similarly, Shahbaz Ahmed and others leaked runs, unable to find a rhythm.​

The match context added to the drama: Punjab, defending their SMAT title, needed a strong start in Group A, and Sharma delivered as captain. Bengal, led by Shami, entered as favorites but were outclassed. Post-innings, Sharma's strike rate of 284.62 stood out, with 16 sixes tying records held by Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler in T20s. This performance propelled discussions about his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad discussions.​

Beyond the numbers, Sharma's knock inspired a new generation of fans. Social media erupted with clips of his sixes clearing the stadium, drawing comparisons to prime Rohit Sharma. Analysts noted his improved handling of pace and spin, a growth from earlier seasons. For Punjab, this total set up a likely victory, underlining team depth with contributions from others like Harpreet Brar.​

In the broader SMAT 2025 landscape, Sharma's exploits highlighted the tournament's evolution into a power-hitting spectacle. Previous records, like the fastest fifties, now face constant threats from young guns like him. His fifth ton in the competition surpasses all predecessors, positioning him as the format's king in domestic circles.​

Sharma's technical evolution deserves mention: a left-handed opener with a solid defense yet explosive intent. Training under mentors like Yuvraj has honed his 360-degree shots. Off the field, his humility contrasts his on-field aggression, making him a fan favorite. This innings cements his trajectory toward global stardom.​

As the SMAT progresses, expect Sharma to chase more milestones. His ability to perform in crunch domestic games bodes well for IPL auctions and international call-ups. Cricket's shorter formats thrive on such entertainers, and Abhishek Sharma embodies that spirit perfectly. This 32-ball ton will be etched in memory, a benchmark for T20 brilliance.