Punjab Skipper Destroys Bengal Attack at Gymkhana Ground
Hyderabad, November 30, 2025 – In one of the most explosive displays of power-hitting in Indian domestic cricket, Abhishek Sharma smashed an unbeaten 148 with 16 sixes during Punjab’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash against Bengal at the Gymkhana Ground in Hyderabad on Sunday.
The 25-year-old left-hander announced his arrival with authority, reaching his fifty in a mere 12 balls while facing a Bengal attack featuring veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami. The carnage that followed left bowlers shell-shocked and spectators in absolute awe.
Record-Breaking Fifty Equals Yuvraj Singh Milestone
Abhishek reached the milestone off only 12 deliveries, joining Yuvraj Singh, West Indies great Chris Gayle, Hazratullah Zazai and Sagar Chauhan in scoring half-centuries off 12 balls in men’s T20s. The moment held special significance as Yuvraj has been a mentor figure to the young Punjab skipper.
Vegas11 News has learned that the World No 1 T20 batter faced only one dot ball while hitting five sixes and as many fours to make his half-century off 12 balls. Speaking to teammates after the knock, Abhishek revealed his game plan was simple: “I wanted to take on Shami early and set the tone.”
Shami and Akash Deep Hammered in Historic Onslaught
The Bengal pace attack, featuring two Indian internationals, had no answers to Abhishek’s brutal hitting. Abhishek did not spare his former Sunrisers Hyderabad teammate Mohammed Shami, tonking him for three sixes, scoring 27 runs off just six balls.
Mohammed Shami conceded 61 runs in his four overs at an economy of 15.25, taking just one wicket, while fellow India pacer Akash Deep also struggled, leaking 55 runs from his spell.
Punjab Post Second-Highest SMAT Total Ever
Abhishek delivered an explosive performance, scoring 148 runs off 52 balls with 16 sixes, leading Punjab to a 112-run victory over Bengal with Punjab’s high total of 310 runs. His opening partner Prabhsimran Singh contributed a brilliant 70 off 35 balls.
Abhishek and Prabhsimran forged a record-breaking 205-run opening partnership, now officially the highest first-wicket stand in SMAT history. The previous best was 177 by Kerala’s Sanju Samson and Rohan Kunnummal.
When asked about the partnership, Prabhsimran said: “I just had to watch from the other end. Abhi was in a different zone today.”
Multiple Records Shattered in Single Innings
The left-hander’s rampage created several statistical milestones:
- 12-ball fifty: Second-fastest T20 half-century by an Indian
- 32-ball century: Third-fastest T20 hundred by an Indian
- 148 runs: Second-highest individual score in SMAT history
- 16 sixes: Joint third-most maximums in a T20 innings
- 205-run stand: Highest opening partnership in SMAT history
- 310/5: Second-highest team total in SMAT history
Abhishek slammed a 52-ball 148 as Punjab obliterated Bengal, while Punjab became only the fifth team in T20 to post a total in excess of 300.
Bengal’s Spirited Response Falls Short
In reply, Bengal posted 198/9 in 20 overs, with Abhimanyu Easwaran, the skipper, shining with an unbeaten 130 off 66 balls, with 12 fours and eight sixes. Despite Easwaran’s heroics, Bengal never looked like chasing down the mammoth target.
Punjab’s bowlers Harpreet Brar and Gurnoor Brar picked up crucial wickets to seal a comprehensive 112-run victory, moving Punjab to the top of Elite Group C standings.
Punjab Captain Finds Form After Early Struggles
Against Himachal Pradesh, he scored four runs from three deliveries, and in the previous match against Haryana, he scored just six runs. However, the explosive knock against Bengal proved why Abhishek remains one of India’s most dangerous T20 batters.
The innings, coming at his IPL home ground with SunRisers Hyderabad, held special meaning. “Playing in Hyderabad always feels like home,” Abhishek mentioned to reporters after the match. “The support from the crowd was incredible.”
According to Vegas11 News analysis, Abhishek’s 12-ball fifty saw him equal the record of his mentor and former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh at the Gymkhana Ground, adding emotional weight to the achievement.
What This Means for Punjab’s SMAT Campaign
The dominant victory propels Punjab to the top of Elite Group C with two wins from three matches. The team’s ability to post 300-plus totals demonstrates their firepower and makes them serious contenders for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 title.
With Abhishek Sharma in this kind of form and strong support from Prabhsimran Singh and the middle order, Punjab will be a feared opponent in the knockout stages. The upcoming matches will determine if they can maintain this momentum through the tournament.
Key Stats: Abhishek Sharma vs Bengal SMAT 2025
- Runs: 148
- Balls Faced: 52
- Strike Rate: 284.62
- Fours: 8
- Sixes: 16
- Fifty: 12 balls
- Century: 32 balls
- Result: Punjab won by 112 runs
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