27-Nov-2024, 01:53 PM
In a remarkable display of talent, Urvil Patel has shattered the record for the fastest T20 century by an Indian, achieving this milestone in just 28 balls during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match against Tripura. This achievement not only eclipses the previous Indian record held by Rishabh Pant, who scored a century in 30 balls, but also places Patel second on the all-time list for the fastest T20 centuries, narrowly missing the world record by just one ball.
Patel’s explosive innings took place at the Emerald Heights International School Ground in Indore, where he scored an astonishing 113 runs off only 35 balls. His innings included a staggering 12 sixes and seven fours, resulting in a phenomenal strike rate of 322.86. This performance led Gujarat to chase down a target of 156 runs in just 10.2 overs, winning the match by eight wickets. Patel’s ability to dominate the bowling attack was evident as he consistently found the boundary, showcasing his power-hitting skills.
Interestingly, Urvil Patel’s achievement comes shortly after he went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, where he did not attract any bids despite having a base price of ₹30 lakh. His record-breaking performance serves as a powerful statement to all franchises that overlooked him during the auction. Patel’s journey to this achievement has been remarkable; just a year prior, he made headlines with a rapid century off 41 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
While Patel’s 28-ball century is now the fastest by an Indian, it ranks second globally behind Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who holds the world record with a 27-ball century against Cyprus earlier this year. This feat not only highlights Patel’s potential as an explosive batsman but also raises questions about his future in professional cricket, especially given his recent IPL auction experience.
As cricket enthusiasts celebrate this new record, Urvil Patel’s performance is expected to draw attention from selectors and franchises alike as they prepare for upcoming tournaments. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver explosive innings could make him a valuable asset in future cricketing events.
