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A century when it matters! Ayush Mhatre shuts critics with brilliant ton in SMAT 2025

Aakash Saini

Ayush Mhatre [Source: @iplt20.com]Ayush Mhatre [Source: @iplt20.com]

Teenage batting sensation Ayush Mhatre soared back into form with a scintillating 49-ball century against Vidarbha in Mumbai’s Elite Group A match of the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Opening the innings with seasoned pro Ajinkya Rahane, 18-year-old Mhatre pounded 110 unbeaten runs overall in just 53 balls with eight cracking fours and as many sixes at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B in Lucknow.

Interestingly, the innings marked his first notable score in competitive cricket ever since getting retained by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise for IPL 2026 next year.

Ayush Mhatre wins it for Mumbai, jumps back into form

Chasing 193, Ayush Mhatre made lightwork of Vidarbha’s monumental total by smearing 110* off just 53 balls as Mumbai secured a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in 17.5 overs to make it two-in-two this 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Moreover, it took him just 49 deliveries to race to his hundred as the youngster recorded his maiden T20 century.

The innings marked a significant occasion for Ayush Mhatre as it was his first major contribution in competitive cricket since the CSK decided to retain him earlier this month for IPL 2026. After exploding on to the IPL circuit as a 17-year-old in the IPL 2025 edition of the tournament a few months ago, Mhatre went through an underwhelming India U19 tour of Australia, where he spent the entirety of youth ODI and youth Test series without notching up a single fifty.

Aged 18 at the moment, the blistering opener also failed to record a single half-century for Mumbai in each of his five innings prior to his latest century in India’s ongoing domestic season.

Nonetheless, apart from Ayush Mhatre’s burgeoning knock, Indian international stars Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube also clubbed swift 30s as Mumbai continues to remain unbeaten in their SMAT title-defence.