SMAT 2025-26: Ayush Mhatre put on a show at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow today, smashing his maiden T20 century to guide Mumbai to a dominant seven-wicket win over Vidarbha in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). The Chennai Super Kings youngster announced his arrival in style, showing why he’s being tipped as one of the brightest talents in Indian cricket.
First T20 century for Ayush Mhatre!
Sealed with a six in style 💪🫡
Absolute Ayush energy 💥#SMAT pic.twitter.com/Izsd07rrI7---Advertisement---— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 28, 2025
Mhatre’s unbeaten 110 against Vidharba
Opening the batting, Mhatre was unstoppable. He scored an unbeaten 110 off just 53 balls, helping Mumbai chase down a challenging target of 193 in under 18 overs. It was a boundary-fest from the 18-year-old, who hit 8 fours and 8 sixes, with 80 of his 110 runs coming purely from boundaries. Despite early setbacks both Ajinkya Rahane (0) and Hardik Tamore (1) fell inside the first three overs, Mhatre held his nerve brilliantly. Suryakumar Yadav (35 off 30) and Shivam Dube (39* off 19) provided crucial support, ensuring Mumbai wrapped up the chase in style.
It wasn’t just with the bat that Mumbai dominated. Shivam Dube also shone with the ball, picking up 3 wickets for just 31 runs in his 4-over spell, while Umesh Yadav had a day to forget, going for 54 runs without any success.
Mhatre’s breakthrough in IPL 2025
For Mhatre, this performance is more than just a century, it’s a statement. After a breakout season in the 2025 IPL, where he scored 240 runs in 7 games at a strike rate of nearly 190, Mhatre is keen to prove he’s here to stay. In IPL 2025, he was CSK’s go-to batter in the powerplay, giving the team momentum from the get-go.
With Sanju Samson and Urvil Patel also in good form, Mhatre will need to maintain this momentum throughout SMAT 2025 to secure his spot as a regular opener for CSK in IPL 2026. If today’s performance is anything to go by, he looks more than ready to shoulder that responsibility.
