Devdutt Padikkal lit up the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26 with a sensational 45-ball century, leading Karnataka to a commanding total against Tamil Nadu. The right-handed opener’s explosive knock of 102 runs off just 46 balls, featuring 10 fours and 6 sixes, propelled Karnataka to an imposing 245/3 in their 20 overs.
Tamil Nadu, who chose to field first, found themselves under pressure from the very start. Padikkal set the tone by smashing a six off the first ball he faced. His aggressive yet precise batting allowed Karnataka’s middle order to play freely without any burden, ultimately setting a challenging total for the opposition.
Karnataka’s bowlers then ensured Tamil Nadu had no chance of a comeback. Tight bowling combined with mounting scoreboard pressure saw Tamil Nadu crumble, eventually losing by 145 runs. Leg-spinners Shreyas Gopal and Pravin Dubey were key with the ball, picking three wickets each and sealing a dominant victory for Karnataka.
Hardik Pandya Struggles in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Comeback
Hardik Pandya faced a tough day with the ball while bowling against a strong Punjab lineup. The all-rounder conceded 52 runs in his four-over spell, struggling particularly against Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh. The pair targeted him with an aggressive assault, including a sequence of 6, 4, 4, 6, which derailed his bowling rhythm. Pandya ended his spell with figures of 1/52.
With the bat, Pandya was unbeaten on 44 off 31 balls at the time of reporting as Baroda continued to chase Punjab’s massive 223-run target. Key contributions from Abhishek Sharma (50 off 19) and Anmolpreet Singh (69 off 32) kept Baroda on track, making the contest exciting in the latter stages.
