SMAT: Bengal's Abhimanyu Easwaran slams 130* after Abhishek Sharma's 148
What's the story
Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran has sent a strong message to Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises with his blistering performance in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. In response to Punjab captain Abhishek Sharma's explosive innings of 148 runs off just 52 balls, Easwaran scored an unbeaten 130 runs off only 66 balls. His innings included a staggering eight sixes and 13 fours, showcasing his T20 prowess. Here are further details.
Milestone achievement
2nd century in SMAT for Easwaran
As per ESPNcricinfo, Easwaran's unbeaten 130 is now the highest individual score by a Bengal batter in SMAT history and the eighth-highest overall. The previous record was held by Wriddhiman Saha, who scored 129 off 62 balls against Arunachal Pradesh in 2019. Notably, Easwaran is also the first Bengal batter to score two centuries in SMAT tournaments. Playing his 37th SMAT match, Easwaran owns 1,156 runs at 41.28. He has 2 tons and 5 fifties.
IPL prospects
Easwaran's T20 innings showcases potential for IPL selection
Easwaran's explosive innings comes amid speculation that his absence from an IPL team has kept him out of the India camp. The Bengal skipper's performance in Hyderabad sends a clear message to IPL franchises ahead of the upcoming mini-auction. Despite his prolific First-Class cricket record of 8,136 runs at an average of 47.85 with 27 centuries, Easwaran is yet to make his Test debut due to concerns over his performance against international bowlers.
Match details
Easwaran's performance in the match against Punjab
In the match against Punjab, Easwaran walked in to bat after Karan Lal was dismissed by Abhishek. He scored his half-century off just 21 balls but had little support from his teammates. Bengal collapsed as none of the top nine batters apart from Easwaran could score in double digits. Despite this, he reached his second T20 century off 55 balls. His performance saw Bengal score 198/9 after Punjab had earlier managed 310/5.
Information
Abhishek smashes a record-breaking 148 versus Bengal
Earlier, Abhishek shattered records with a 32-ball century against Bengal. He added a record 205-run opening stand alongside Prabhsimran Singh. His knock of 148 became the 2nd-highest individual score in SMAT history. He smashed 17 sixes - the most in a SMAT innings.