37 ball century by Mohammed Azharuddeen for Kerala in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

26 year old Kerala batsman Mohammed Azharuddeen stunned every one with a spectacular century against Mumbai in 37 balls at Wankhede Stadium in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy fixture.

Earlier Mumbai set a huge target of 197 runs as Mumbai batsmen went for glory all through the innings. Veteran pacer S Sreesanth conceded 47 runs in his 4 over spell. It was KM Asif who came to Kerala’s rescue picking 3 wickets in the 20th over of the innings – finishing his bowling figures at 3 for 25 in 4 overs.

Azharuddeen walked in to open the innings with Robin Uthappa who was a mere spectator as the Thalangara born cricketer took on the Mumbai bowling attack to all parts of the ground. He was quite severe on Mumbai pacers Tushar Deshpande and Dhawal Kulkarni. He put a partnership of 129 in 9.3 overs with Robin Uthappa (33 in 23 balls). Kerala captain Sanju Samson joined in after the fall of first wicket and powered the chase with a 12 ball 22 run effort.

Mohammed Azharuddeen’s 37 ball century is the first ever ton by a Kerala batsman in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history. His knock consisted of pure cricketing shots with minimal risk which was attractive to watch.

The record for the fastest century by a batsman in the tournament is still held by Delhi’s Rishabh Pant.

Azharuddeen scored the winning runs for Kerala in the form of a maximum off a short pitched delivery bowled by Siddesh Lad. He ended unbeaten on 137 runs in just 54 balls with the help of 9 fours and 11 sixes. Kerala chased the target of 197 in just 15.5 overs.

Azharuddeen is a specialist wicket keeper batsman and he is a likely hot property at the upcoming IPL auctions if he can keep up with his performances with the bat.

Kerala has registered 2 wins in 2 matches – both the matches played at Wankhede Stadium. While Mumbai is off to a bad start in the tournament with losses against Delhi and Kerala at their home ground.