SMAT: Baroda's Amit Passi equals world record for highest score on T20 debut with 44-ball ton
Hyderabad, Dec 8
Baroda wicketkeeper-batter Amit Passi has equalled the world record for the highest score on T20 debut with his 44-ball century in their last league stage match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy here on Monday.
The 26-year-old scored 114 runs off just 55 balls, featuring 10 fours and nine sixes, to guide Baroda to a 13-run win over Services. His innings matched Pakistan's Bilal Asif, who scored 114 from 48 balls for the Sialkot Stallions in a domestic T20 match in Faisalabad in May 2015, tying the world record for the highest individual score in men's T20 debut.
Passi has become only the third Indian batter after Punjab's Shivam Bhambri and Hyderabad's Akshath Reddy to score a century on T20 debut, with all three hundreds coming in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Stepping in for India wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who left for national duty against South Africa, the 26-year-old Passi opened the innings and played a blistering knock against Services.
He formed two vital stands: a 60-run partnership for the third wicket with Shivalik Sharma, followed by a quick 75-run alliance with captain Vishnu Solanki in just 32 balls, and played an essential role in guiding his team to a total of 220/5 in 20 overs.
In response, Kunwar Pathak (51), Ravi Chauhan (51), and Mohit Ahlawat (41) gave a flying start to Services, who managed to score only 207-8, falling short by 13 runs.
Placed in a stiff Elite Group C, Baroda are out of contention for making the Super League stage despite their win against Services by a resounding margin.
The winners of the Punjab-Gujarat and Bengal-Haryana contests are assured of progressing from their respective groups.
Batting first, Haryana have set a target of 191 for Gujarat, riding on captain Ankit Kumar's (46 off 30) and Nishant Sindhu's (48 off 31).
— IANS
Reader Comments
Incredible achievement to equal a world record. It's a shame Baroda is out of the tournament despite this win. The SMAT is so competitive, but performances like this are what make domestic cricket so exciting to follow.
Stepping in for Jitesh Sharma and playing like this shows great mental strength. 10 fours and 9 sixes! Pure domination. Hope he gets a consistent run now. Our domestic structure is producing some serious hitters.
While the innings was brilliant, it's a bit concerning that Baroda's bowling nearly let a 220+ score be chased. They conceded 207. The focus should be on building a balanced team, not just relying on one explosive batter.
Only the third Indian to score a T20 debut century! And all three in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This tournament is a real gem for discovering talent. Big congratulations to Amit Passi. Hope he keeps his feet on the ground.
What a story! From being a replacement player to equalling a world record. This is cricket at its best. The partnerships with Shivalik and Solanki were crucial too. Team effort anchored by a special individual performance. ðŸ‘
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.