Patel's 119 Guides Gujarat to Syed Mushtaq Ali Opener Win

In a blistering display of T20 firepower, Gujarat captain and Chennai Super Kings wicketkeeper-batter Urvil Patel smashed an unbeaten 119 runs off just 37 balls, including a century in 31 deliveries, to power his team to an eight-wicket victory over Services in the opening match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Wednesday at the Gymkhana Ground in Hyderabad.

Chasing a target of 183, Patel opened the innings with relentless aggression, striking 12 fours and 10 sixes at a strike rate exceeding 321. His onslaught dismantled the Services bowling attack from the outset, forming a 174-run opening partnership with Aarya Desai, who contributed a fluent 60 off 35 balls, including six fours and three sixes. The duo's stand came off just 11.4 overs, effectively sealing the chase early. Gujarat completed the task in 12.3 overs, finishing with 45 balls to spare and underscoring their batting dominance in the season's shortest format.

Patel's innings not only propelled Gujarat to a comfortable win but also etched his name deeper into T20 record books. The 27-year-old right-hander, already the holder of the fastest T20 century by an Indian with a 28-ball ton against Tripura in the previous...