Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have roped in Sanju Samson in a record-breaking trade and already have legendary MS Dhoni in their ranks but their 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, Urvil Patel, is making the team management notice with his exemplary hitting. Almost a year after slamming second-fastest century in T20 history off just 28 balls, Urvil reached his third T20 century off just 31 balls. Gujarat skipper Urvil went berserk on the opening day of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 against Services to score this edition’s first century.
Retained by CSK ahead of mini-auction, Gujarat captain Urvil launched a brutal onslaught in the run chase of 183 at Gymkhana Ground, Hyderabad. Opening the innings alongside Aarya Desai, he tormented the Services bowling lineup. His 31-ball ton is the second-fastest in SMAT history. Urvil himself and Abhishek Sharma have scored 28-ball centuries.
Urvil and Desai shared a 174-run opening partnership from just 11.4 overs. The partnership was broken by Mohit Rathee who made his IPL debut in 2023 for Punjab Kings (PBKS). Desai scored 60 runs from 35 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes. On the next ball, Rathee dismissed Ripal Patel as well. But, the two wickets were consolation for Services.
Gujarat got over the line with eight wickets in hand and 45 balls to spare. Urvil remained unbeaten for 119 off 37 deliveries. His whirlwind knock was laced with 12 fours and 10 sixes. This is also his highest T20 score.
Slow first half, opener’s fifty and cameos help Services to fighting total
Earlier, Urvil won the toss and opted to field first. Hemang Patel struck off consecutive deliveries in the fifth over to dismiss Harsh Wardhan and Abhishek. Services skipper Mohit Ahlawat departed for an 11-ball 19. Then, Vineed Dhankhar was run out for a single-digit score. Services were 65/4 in the ninth over. Opener Gaurav Kochar helped accelerate with Arun Kumar on the other end. Kochar scored 60 runs from 37 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes. He fell to leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi.
In the slog overs, Services kept losing wickets but the run-scoring tempo did not fall. Cameos from Arun (22-ball 29), Jayant Goyal (7-ball 20) helped them post 182/9. Arjun Nagwaswalla took two wickets in death overs. Harshal Patel got a wicket as well. He conceded 35 runs from his quota of four overs.