Urvil Patel, Gujarat’s explosive opener, set the cricketing world alight by smashing a 28-ball century against Tripura in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), the fastest T20 century by an Indian and the second-fastest overall in T20 cricket history. The match, held in Indore, saw Patel’s blistering unbeaten knock of 113 off just 35 balls, propelling Gujarat to a dominant victory in just 10.2 overs while chasing 156.
Breaking Records
- Fastest Indian Century in T20s: Patel broke Rishabh Pant’s previous record of a 32-ball century in SMAT 2018.
- Second-Fastest T20 Century Globally: Only Sahil Chauhan of Estonia, who scored a 27-ball century earlier this year, has reached the milestone faster.
Destructive Display
Patel’s innings included 12 sixes and 7 fours, showcasing his remarkable ability to find the boundary. His six-hitting spree targeted all parts of the ground:
- Over covers: 3 sixes
- Down the ground: 3 sixes
- Midwicket region: 4 sixes
- Square leg: 1 six
Notable bowlers who bore the brunt of Patel’s assault:
- Mandeep Singh: 24 runs off 5 balls
From Redemption to Glory
Exactly a year ago, Patel had smashed a 41-ball century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, making him the second-fastest Indian in List A cricket behind Yusuf Pathan (40 balls). This came just a day after being released by the Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. Despite his incredible domestic performances, Patel was not picked during the IPL 2025 mega auction, remaining part of the uncapped wicketkeepers’ list.
A Rising Star in Domestic Cricket
Patel’s blistering performances highlight his potential as a future T20 star. His ability to dominate bowling attacks underlines his readiness for opportunities in high-profile tournaments like the IPL and beyond. Whether this monumental innings will change his fortunes remains to be seen, but it certainly solidifies his reputation as one of India’s most exciting young talents.