Punjab’s Anmolpreet Singh etched his name in the record books with a stunning 35-ball century against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy opener. His explosive innings of 115 runs off just 45 balls broke the previous Indian record for the fastest List A century, surpassing Yusuf Pathan’s 40-ball effort set 15 years ago.
A Historic Knock at the Narendra Modi Stadium
Chasing a modest target of 165, Punjab’s innings began on a shaky note with skipper Abhishek Sharma dismissed early. However, Anmolpreet took charge at number three and delivered an unforgettable performance. His innings, laced with 12 fours and nine towering sixes, propelled Punjab to victory in just 77 deliveries. Anmolpreet’s breathtaking knock ranks as the third-fastest List A century in the world, behind Jake Fraser-McGurk’s 29-ball ton for South Australia and AB de Villiers’ 31-ball century against the West Indies.
Making a Statement After IPL Snub
Despite going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, Anmolpreet sent a strong message to franchise owners with his match-winning innings. His aggressive approach left no bowler unscathed, including Arunachal all-rounder Techi Neri, who conceded 31 runs in his only over.
A Record-Breaking Day for Punjab
Anmolpreet’s blitz, along with Prabhsimran Singh’s 35 off 25 balls, ensured a comfortable win for Punjab. Their dominance began with a disciplined bowling effort, restricting Arunachal Pradesh to a below-par total, and ended with an emphatic chase.
Other Highlights from the Vijay Hazare Trophy
Elsewhere at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Shreyas Iyer showcased his batting prowess with an unbeaten 114 off 55 balls, leading Mumbai to a commanding performance against Karnataka. Iyer’s knock further highlighted the high-scoring action on an eventful day in the tournament.
A Milestone Moment
Anmolpreet Singh’s incredible century not only secured a winning start for Punjab but also reaffirmed his potential as a destructive batter. His record-breaking innings will be remembered as a landmark moment in Indian List A cricket.
