Azharuddeen smashes unbeaten 137 vs Mumbai (Source: @azhar_junior_14/instagram.com)
In the cricket world, a phrase is common that 'Records are meant to be broken'. In T20 cricket, players take the phrase to a whole new level, smashing milestones with every ball and paving the way for the next star to break them even faster.
Far away from the international limelight, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the domestic 20-over tournament, saw some gripping T20 action that left the fans stunned. The 2021 edition of the tournament saw a thriller when Mumbai met Kerala in a group stage clash.
Chasing down a strong total, Kerala's Mohammed Azharuddeen smashed an unbeaten ton, and Kerala secured a dominant win. Let's relive the classic knock.
Azharuddeen keeps Mumbai sweating with a knock of pure domination
The T20 format knows no boundaries as it delivers the same thrills whether it's at the international level or at the domestic stage. Over the years, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has remained the biggest talent pull for domestic talents to grab international exposure. The 2021 season was packed with chaos and magic, but the group-stage clash between Mumbai and Kerala stole the spotlight.
While batting first, Mumbai gave a dominating start. After Yashasvi Jaiswal and Aditya Tare stitched an 88-run opening partnership; captain Suryakumar Yadav and Siddhesh Lad carried on the innings. Their collective carnage powered Mumbai to a mighty 197, setting the perfect stage for a high-voltage showdown against Kerala.
Chasing down the total, Kerala got a dreamiest start that it could've ever imagined. Coming to open the innings, veteran batter Robin Uthappa and youngster Mohammed Azharuddeen tore through Mumbai's bowling lineup. From the very first ball, Azharuddeen was in beast mode, Kerala soared, and Mumbai felt the heat like never before.
Tearing apart Mumbai bowling, Azharuddeen smashed a 20-ball fifty and shattered the record book. The Wankhede saw a youngster taking the mighty bowling attack with a brave heart. Smashing a classy ton with the speed of a storm, he crafted a tale of domination at Mumbai's home.
Mumbai's bowlers kept praying for Azharuddeen's wicket, but the night belonged entirely to the Kerala firestorm. With an unbeaten knock of 137 runs in just 54 deliveries, along with nine boundaries and 11 sixes, he powered Kerala to register an eight-wicket victory. On that unforgettable night, he also smashed the record for most sixes by an Indian in a T20 innings, sealing his status as pure box-office.
On that unforgettable night, Azharuddeen didn't just score an unbeaten 137; he rewrote T20 madness. Facing Kerala at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, they eyed a dominant victory, but Mohammed Azharuddeen’s brilliance turned it into one of their biggest nightmares.
