Kerala batsman Mohammed Azharuddeen played a amazing knock on Wednesday against Mumbai in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as he helped Kerala win their second match on the trot. Chasing 197, the suitable-handed opener smashed a century off just 37 deliveries against a Mumbai bowling attack comprising the likes of Dhawal Kulkarni, Tushar Deshpande and Shams Mulani as Kerala won the match with more than 4 overs to spare. Azharuddeen stayed unbeaten at 137 off just 54 deliveries as Kerala beat Mumbai by eight wickets. It was the second-quickest century in the history of India’s national T20 century, following Rishabh Pant’s 32-ball ton in 2018.
Former India batsman Virender Sehwag was impressed by Azharuddeen’s fiery innings. “Wah Azharudeen , behtareen! To score like that against Mumbai was some effort. 137* of 54 and finishing the job on hand. Enjoyed this innings,” he tweeted.
Wah Azharudeen , behtareen !
To score like that against Mumbai was some work. 137* of 54 and finishing the job on hand. Enjoyed this innings.#SyedMushtaqAliT20 pic.twitter.com/VrQk5v8PPB
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 13, 2021
It was the very first century by a Kerala batsman in T20s and also the third joint-quickest century by an Indian in the shortest format.
Watch the 26-year-old’s amazing work right here:
st for a Kerala batsman in T20s
nd quickest ton in #SyedMushtaqAliT20‘s history
rd joint-quickest T20 hundred by an Indian batsmanfours, sixes & * off !
Watch Mohammed Azharuddeen’s dominating hundred #KERvMUM https://t.co/72DX7UDadJ pic.twitter.com/9dbAIEq4gT
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) January 13, 2021
Azharuddeen hit 11 sixes and nine boundaries in his thrilling knock.
Earlier Kerala won the toss and opted to field. Mumbai’s best 3 of Aditya Tare, Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Suryakumar Yadav hit 42, 40 and 38 respectively but the middle order failed to fire. However a 13-ball 26 from Shivam Dube helped them finish at 196/7.
Coming into chase, Azharuddeen produced quick work of the Mumbai bowlers, with strong help from opening companion Robin Uthappa. The two place on a stand of 129 ahead of Uthappa departed for 33 in the 10th more than.
Sanju Samson came in and got stuck into the Mumbai bowlers, hitting a 12-ball 22 ahead of getting dismissed with just 7 runs necessary to win. But the wicket was just a consolation for Mumbai as Azharuddeen completed the match off in style, hitting a six off Siddhesh Lad to seal the victory for Kerala.
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