On Saturday, November 23, the 17th edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) began with 38 teams vying for glory in India’s premier domestic T20 competition. Among the many intriguing fixtures, Mumbai faced Goa at the Gymkhana Ground in Hyderabad. The spotlight, however, was firmly on Mumbai’s captain, Shreyas Iyer, who delivered a stunning batting display.
Leading from the front, Iyer smashed a scintillating 47-ball century, an innings decorated with nine fours and seven sixes. His masterful knock culminated in a brilliant 130, powering Mumbai to an imposing total of 250, which is among the highest team scores in SMAT history.
Shreyas Iyer’s innings, which is now the sixth-highest individual score in the tournament’s history, showcased his ability to dominate in high-pressure situations. This knock couldn’t have come at a better time for Iyer. With the IPL 2025 mega auction set to take place on November 24 in Jeddah, his performance is sure to catch the eye of franchise scouts.
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Released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after leading them to an IPL title in 2024, Iyer’s decision to test his value in the auction could pay off handsomely. Reports suggest the parting with KKR was due to disagreements over his wages, and now, with this timely hundred, Iyer could spark a bidding war at the auction table.
Shreyas Iyer in Syed Mushtaq Ali
130*(57)
11 Fours
10 SixesCrazy Comeback loading in international Cricket ❤️
F-Iyer is back 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ti9ICAsw3R
— Shreyas Iyer Fandom (@ShreyasFandom) November 23, 2024
Beyond the T20 fireworks, Iyer’s innings also serves as a strong message to the Indian selectors. Currently out of the national setup and left off the BCCI’s central contract list, Iyer reminded everyone of his class. His form in red-ball cricket has also been noteworthy, making a compelling case for a return to the Indian squad.
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Interestingly, while Iyer’s knock was exceptional, it wasn’t the highest score of the day. Earlier on November 23, Tilak Varma broke Iyer’s previous SMAT record with a phenomenal 151. Still, Iyer’s commanding performance reaffirms his status as one of India’s premier batters in domestic cricket, reigniting his relevance in both the national and IPL contexts. As Mumbai continues its SMAT campaign, Iyer’s form will undoubtedly remain pivotal.
