Amit Passi likely never imagined getting an opportunity to play for Baroda so soon — let alone making history in his very first outing. But the young batter delivered a dream debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), smashing a sensational century against Services in Hyderabad during Baroda’s final league match.
Replacing Jitesh Sharma, who joined India’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, Passi seized his chance with remarkable maturity and firepower. His 114-run knock not only guided Baroda to a victory but also etched his name into the record books.
Breaks SMAT Debut Record and Equals World T20 Debut Record
Passi produced one of the finest debut performances in T20 cricket. He reached his half-century in just 24 balls and then accelerated further, scoring the next 50 runs in only 20 deliveries to bring up his maiden T20 hundred in 44 balls. His final score of 114 equaled the world record for the highest score on T20 debut — a milestone previously set by Bilal Asif for Sialkot Stallions in Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament in 2015.
This knock is now officially the highest score ever made on debut in SMAT history, placing Passi among an elite list of domestic cricket performers.
Despite the memorable performance and Baroda’s win in the match, Passi will have to wait a bit longer for his next T20 appearance. Baroda failed to qualify for the SMAT 2025 Super League, and with Passi currently not part of any IPL squad, his next opportunity may come only in the following domestic season.
Nevertheless, his debut innings has already marked him as a player to watch — and a future star in Indian cricket.
