Kerala’s Mohammad Azharuddeen Gets Praise From Virender Sehwag After 37-Ball Century

Kerala batsman Mohammed Azharuddeen played a stunning knock on Wednesday against Mumbai in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as he helped Kerala win their second match on the trot. Chasing 197, the right-handed opener smashed a century off just 37 deliveries against a Mumbai bowling attack comprising the likes of Dhawal Kulkarni, Tushar Deshpande and Shams Mulani as Kerala won the match with over four overs to spare. Azharuddeen stayed unbeaten at 137 off just 54 deliveries as Kerala beat Mumbai by eight wickets. It was the second-fastest century in the history of India’s national T20 century, after Rishabh Pant’s 32-ball ton in 2018.

Former India batsman Virender Sehwag was impressed by Azharuddeen’s fiery innings. ”Wah Azharudeen , behtareen!  To score like that against Mumbai was some effort. 137* of 54 and finishing the job on hand. Enjoyed this innings,” he tweeted.

Wah Azharudeen , behtareen !

To score like that against Mumbai was some effort. 137* of 54 and finishing the job on hand. Enjoyed this innings.#SyedMushtaqAliT20 pic.twitter.com/VrQk5v8PPB

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 13, 2021

It was the first century by a Kerala batsman in T20s and also the third joint-fastest century by an Indian in the shortest format.

Watch the 26-year-old’s stunning effort here:

st for a Kerala batsman in T20s
nd fastest ton in #SyedMushtaqAliT20‘s history
rd joint-fastest T20 hundred by an Indian batsman

fours, sixes & * off !

Watch Mohammed Azharuddeen’s dominating hundred #KERvMUM https://t.co/72DX7UDadJ pic.twitter.com/9dbAIEq4gT

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) January 13, 2021

Azharuddeen hit 11 sixes and nine boundaries in his thrilling knock.

Earlier Kerala won the toss and opted to field. Mumbai’s top three of Aditya Tare, Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Suryakumar Yadav hit 42, 40 and 38 respectively but the middle order failed to fire. However a 13-ball 26 from Shivam Dube helped them finish at 196/7.

Promoted

Coming into chase, Azharuddeen made short work of the Mumbai bowlers, with solid support from opening partner Robin Uthappa. The two put on a stand of 129 before Uthappa departed for 33 in the 10th over.

Sanju Samson came in and got stuck into the Mumbai bowlers, hitting a 12-ball 22 before being dismissed with just 7 runs needed to win. But the wicket was just a consolation for Mumbai as Azharuddeen finished the match off in style, hitting a six off Siddhesh Lad to seal the victory for Kerala.