Abhimanyu Easwaran’s Valiant 130*: Bengal Captain’s Lone Stand in Crushing SMAT 2025 Defeat vs Punjab
SR 196.96 – Easwaran’s grit couldn’t save Bengal from 112-run loss
Hyderabad, November 30, 2025 – In a match that will be remembered for Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 148*, Bengal captain Abhimanyu Easwaran stood tall with a heroic unbeaten 130 off 66 balls, battling alone as Punjab’s onslaught left his side reeling in a 112-run defeat in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite Group C clash at Gymkhana Ground.
Chasing a mammoth 311, Bengal crumbled to 198/9, with Easwaran’s knock – featuring 13 fours and 8 sixes at a strike rate of 196.96 – the only bright spark in a batting collapse. Despite his valiant effort, starting from 7/3, Easwaran couldn’t bridge the massive gap, falling 112 short in what became Punjab’s highest-ever T20 total defense.
Easwaran’s Lone Warrior Innings: The Numbers
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhimanyu Easwaran (c)* | 130 | 66 | 13 | 8 | 196.96 |
| Akash Deep | 31 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 442.85 |
| Mohammed Shami | 6* | 7 | 0 | 0 | 85.71 |
| Abishek Porel | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 150.00 |
Easwaran’s knock was a masterclass in resilience. Anchoring from No. 3 after early blows, he accelerated with boundaries at will – a straight six off Harpreet Brar and a lofted cover drive off Abhishek Sharma. His 130 is Bengal’s highest in SMAT 2025 and the 3rd highest in Elite Group C this season.
The Match That Was: Punjab’s 310/5 vs Bengal’s 198/9
Punjab posted a monstrous 310/5, powered by Abhishek’s 148* (52 balls, 7×4, 11×6) and Prabhsimran Singh’s 132 (64 balls, 10×4, 8×6). Their 205-run opening stand in 76 balls set a new SMAT record.
Bengal’s chase imploded: Karan Lal (1), Abishek Porel (6), Shahbaz Ahmed (0) fell cheaply. Easwaran rebuilt with Sudip Gharami (4), but Harpreet Brar (4/23) triggered a middle-order meltdown. Akash Deep’s explosive 31 off 7 (5×6) offered brief hope, but Nehal Wadhera (2/19) sealed it.
- Punjab RR: 15.50 | Bengal RR: 9.90
- Fall of Wickets: Bengal 7/3 in 1.4 ov – Early collapse
- Man of the Match: Abhishek Sharma (148* & 1/50)
Easwaran’s Grit: Captain’s Knock in Vain
From 7/3, Easwaran rebuilt with calculated aggression. His 50 off 28 balls steadied nerves, and the 100 off 52 accelerated the chase. But with partners crumbling, he couldn’t accelerate enough against Punjab’s spinners.
“Abhimanyu’s knock was world-class, but we couldn’t support him,” said Bengal coach Chandrakant Pandit. Easwaran: “Fought till the end, but 311 was too much. Credit to Punjab’s bowling.”
Records & Milestones
- Easwaran’s 130: 3rd highest SMAT score for Bengal
- Partnership: Easwaran-Deep 37 off 14 – Brief resistance
- Punjab’s 310/5: Highest SMAT team total in 2025
This loss drops Bengal to 4th in Elite Group C, with Punjab surging to 1st.
Next up: Bengal vs Pondicherry – redemption time?
Final Thoughts: A Captain’s Valiant Effort
In a one-sided contest, Abhimanyu Easwaran’s unbeaten 130* was Bengal’s silver lining. His knock showed class under pressure, reminding why he’s a Test mainstay. Punjab? Abhishek’s fireworks lit up SMAT – India cricket’s future is bright.
Easwaran’s knock: Career-best or bad-luck? Comment below! 🏏🔥
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