SMAT 2024: The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 witnessed a record-breaking performance as Baroda shattered the highest team total in T20 cricket, scoring a mammoth 349/5 against Sikkim. This incredible feat not only surpassed the previous T20 record of 344 set by Zimbabwe earlier this year but also cemented Baroda’s dominance with the largest victory margin in T20 history, a colossal 263 runs.
Table of Contents
SMAT 2024: Baroda Scripts History with Record 349/5, Crushes Sikkim by 263 Runs in SMAT
A Night of Records for Baroda
Baroda’s batsmen were in devastating form, tearing apart Sikkim’s bowling attack with a series of breathtaking performances. Even without Hardik Pandya, who had been pivotal in the earlier matches, the team showcased its depth and talent.
- Bhanu Pania was the star of the night, smashing an unbeaten 134 off 51 balls, featuring an array of blistering strokes.
- Abhimanyusingh Rajput contributed a fiery 53 off just 17 deliveries, while Shivalik Sharma blasted 55 off 17 balls, leaving the Sikkim bowlers utterly helpless.
- Shashwat Rawat added to the carnage with a quickfire 43 off 16 balls.
Baroda raced to 180 runs in just the first 10 overs, setting a staggering pace that propelled them to the record-breaking total of 349/5, making it the highest-ever score in T20 cricket.
Sikkim’s Struggle: A Tale of Two Extremes
In reply, Sikkim could barely get going. Baroda’s bowlers ensured there was no room for a counterattack, reducing Sikkim to 86/7 in their 20 overs.
- Ninad Rathva (2/14) and Mahesh Pithiya (2/17) led the bowling attack with precision, while Krunal Pandya, the team’s captain, picked up one wicket for just eight runs in his four overs.
- None of the Sikkim batsmen could cross 20, with Robin Limboo top-scoring with 20 runs off 20 balls.
The 263-run victory is now the largest margin in T20 history, surpassing the previous record of 257 runs by Czech Republic against Turkey in 2019.
Key Stats from the Record-Breaking Match
- Highest T20 Team Scores:
- Baroda: 349/5 vs Sikkim (2024, SMAT)
- Zimbabwe: 344/4 vs Gambia (2024)
- Nepal: 314/3 vs Mongolia (2023)
- Largest T20 Victory Margins:
- Baroda: 263 runs vs Sikkim (2024, SMAT)
- Czech Republic: 257 runs vs Turkey (2019)
- Individual Performances:
- Bhanu Pania: 134* (51)
- Shivalik Sharma: 55 (17)
- Abhimanyusingh Rajput: 53 (17)
Baroda’s SMAT Journey: A Glimpse of Brilliance
Under the captaincy of Krunal Pandya, Baroda has been one of the standout teams in this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Despite facing tough competition in the group stages, their batting and bowling units have stepped up at crucial moments.
- Baroda’s 349/5 is also the first time any team has crossed the 300-run mark in the tournament’s history.
- The team is now on the brink of qualifying for the playoffs, riding high on the momentum from this record-breaking win.
Baroda’s historic victory over Sikkim is not just a testament to their skill but also a warning to other teams in the tournament. With a playoff berth in sight, they will be aiming to continue this form and secure the coveted Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
This extraordinary performance also raises expectations for the future of Indian domestic cricket. If Baroda’s players can replicate such form in international competitions, India’s T20 dominance might reach new heights.
FAQs
What is the highest team total in T20 cricket?
Baroda holds the record with 349/5 against Sikkim in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
Who was the top scorer for Baroda in this match?
Bhanu Pania, who scored an unbeaten 134 off 51 balls
