The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has commenced with a bang, witnessing the creation and subsequent breaking of opening partnership records within a single day. In an extraordinary display of batting prowess, Kerala’s Sanju Samson and Rohan Kunnumal registered the highest-ever opening stand in the tournament’s history, remaining undefeated with a colossal 177 runs against Odisha. This feat eclipsed the record set earlier in the day by Gujarat’s Urvil Patel and Aarya Desai, who posted 174 runs. Kunnumal was the chief architect of Kerala’s chase, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 121 off 60 balls, including 10 fours and 10 sixes. Samson complemented his partner brilliantly, scoring 51 not out from 41 deliveries. Their dominant 10-wicket victory was secured with 16.3 overs to spare. This record-breaking partnership underscores the high level of T20 cricket being played in the SMAT.
