Abhishek Sharma’s 148 off 52 lights up SMAT, powers Punjab to huge win over Bengal

Abhishek Sharma delivered a breathtaking batting performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) on Sunday, blasting 148 off just 52 balls against Bengal at Hyderabad’s Gymkhana Ground. The Punjab opener unleashed eight fours and a staggering 16 sixes, equalling the record for the most sixes hit by an Indian in a T20 innings.

His onslaught, combined with Prabhsimran Singh’s 70, produced a commanding 205-run opening partnership, setting the perfect launchpad for Punjab. Riding on their dominance, the team posted 310 for five, the second-highest total ever recorded in SMAT history.

Despite Bengal fielding an experienced bowling unit, including senior pacer Mohammed Shami, Sharma remained unstoppable, dismantling the attack with clean, effortless hitting. This innings also elevated him alongside Rohit Sharma for the most T20 hundreds by an Indian, eight in total, further cementing his status as the world’s No. 1 T20I batter this season.

For Punjab, the match became a showcase of sheer batting power, and for Abhishek Sharma, it added another defining chapter to his rapidly rising T20 reputation.