Sarfaraz Khan Scores Explosive T20 Century, Sends Strong Message to BCCI Selectors
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 witnessed another day of thrilling performances, with Sarfaraz Khan delivering a statement-making innings for Mumbai. His 47-ball unbeaten century (100*, 8 fours, 7 sixes) guided Mumbai to 220/4 against Assam, sending a clear signal to the BCCI selectors about his readiness for higher honours.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Ton Powers Mumbai to Victory
In Mumbai’s clash against Assam, Sarfaraz was the star with a flawless knock. His aggressive stroke play, combined with Ajinkya Rahane’s 32-ball 45 (5 fours), ensured Mumbai posted a commanding total. Later, Shardul Thakur’s 5/23 in 3 overs bundled out Assam for 120 in just 19.1 overs, handing Mumbai a comfortable win.
This innings reiterates Sarfaraz’s ability to perform under pressure and could strengthen his case for national selection in T20 formats.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes Youngest Century Maker
In Kolkata, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi turned heads with a scintillating unbeaten 108 off 61 balls (7 fours, 7 sixes) against Maharashtra, helping Bihar post 176/3. This innings made him the youngest centurion in SMAT history at just 14 years and 250 days.
Despite his heroics, Bihar fell short as Prithvi Shaw’s blistering 30-ball 66 helped Maharashtra chase down 177 with one over to spare. Suryavanshi’s century, however, highlights the emergence of promising Indian talent in domestic cricket.
Hardik Pandya Makes Triumphant Return
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya made an impactful comeback with 77 off 42 balls* for Baroda against Punjab. He smashed seven fours and four sixes, guiding his team to chase 223 comfortably. Pandya also chipped in with the ball, taking 1 wicket for 52 runs in his four overs, showcasing his all-round utility.
Punjab’s innings featured Abhishek Sharma’s 50 off 19 balls and Anmolpreet Singh’s 69 off 32 balls, but Baroda chased the target with ease, largely due to Pandya’s dominance.
Ishan Kishan Shines for Jharkhand
Jharkhand’s campaign against Saurashtra saw Ishan Kishan play a captain’s knock of 93 off 50 balls (11 fours, 3 sixes), helping his side reach 209/8. Saurashtra collapsed for 125 in 15.1 overs, with Prerak Mankad (39 off 19 balls) being the lone resistance. Anukul Roy continued his impressive tournament form with figures of 3/25 and a quick-fire 27 earlier in the innings.
Delhi Suffers Historic Loss to Tripura
Delhi Cricket recorded a historic first-ever loss to Tripura in domestic cricket. Tripura posted 157/5, with spinners Digvesh Rathi and Suyash Sharma taking two wickets each. Delhi could only manage 145/8, despite Nitish Rana’s 45 off 40 balls. Tripura’s Manisankar Murasingh (2/19) and Viki Saha (2/29) were instrumental in Delhi’s collapse.
Mohammed Siraj, Hyderabad Perform Well
Indian pace star Mohammed Siraj impressed with figures of 1/16 as Uttar Pradesh were bowled out for 127 in 19.2 overs. Tanmay Agarwal’s 43 off 26 balls guided Hyderabad to a three-wicket victory with 17 balls to spare, while Rinku Singh (14) failed to contribute.
Devdutt Padikkal’s Blitz Helps Karnataka
In Ahmedabad, Devdutt Padikkal smashed a 46-ball century (102, 10 fours, 10 sixes) to take Karnataka to a massive 245/3 against Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu’s chase faltered, with them bowled out for 100 in just 14.2 overs. Leg-spinners Shreyas Gopal and Pravin Dubey were key, taking three wickets each.
Arjun Tendulkar Impresses for Goa
In Kolkata, Arjun Tendulkar, now with Lucknow Super Giants, shone with 3/36 as Goa restricted Madhya Pradesh to 170/6. Goa chased the target with ease, winning by seven wickets with nine balls remaining. Abhinav Tejrana (55 off 33) and Suyash Prabhudessai (75)* anchored the innings.
SMAT 2025 – Young Stars and Comebacks Highlight Tournament
Tuesday’s action in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy emphasized a mix of:
- Emerging talent – Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ishan Kishan
- National team comebacks – Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur
- Veteran impact – Sarfaraz Khan, Ajinkya Rahane
With exciting performances like these, the tournament continues to be a vital platform for BCCI selectors to scout and assess players for India’s T20 and IPL campaigns.
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