In a sensational run-chase in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Kerala’s Mohammed Azharuddeen hit a 37-ball century on Wednesday (January 13) to help his side register an epic win against Mumbai. Azharuddeen’s blitzkrieg helped Kerala surpass 197-run target inside 16 overs.
He missed the Rishabh Pant’s record by five balls but it was still the joint-third-fastest T20 century by an Indian, the first hundred by a Kerala batsman in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and sealed their highest-ever chase in the tournament as Kerala registered their first win against Mumbai in any format.
Azharuddeen finished the match unbeaten on 137 from 54 deliveries, which included nine boundaries and eleven sixes. His effort helped Kerala register a thumping eight-wicket win over Mumbai.
? in 37 balls! ??
Sensational stuff this is from Mohammed Azharuddeen. ??
What a knock this has been from the Kerala opener! ?? #KERvMUM #SyedMushtaqAliT20
Follow the match ? https://t.co/V6H1Yp60Vs pic.twitter.com/Nrh88uOOFU
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) January 13, 2021
Kerala won the toss and asked Mumbai to bat first. For Mumbai, Yashasvi Jaiswal along with Aditya Tare added 88 in the first ten overs. Important contributions from team skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube and others helped Mumbai post a gigantic 196/7 after 20 overs. For Kerala Jalaj Saxena and KM Asif claimed three wickets each, while MD Nidheesh got one wicket.
Replying to Mumbai’s 196, Kerala opener Robin Uthappa and Azharuddeen started perfectly. Uthappa and Azharuddeen added 129 runs for the first wicket, before Shams Mulani removed Uthappa in the 10th over. However, this failed to impact Azharuddeen’s momentum as he continued to demolish Mumbai bowlers.
The record for the quickest T20 century is in the name of Chris Gayle – he got to the mark off just 30 balls when he hit 175 not out off 66 balls for the Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Pune Warriors India in IPL 2013.
