Baroda’s Bhanu Pania delivered the innings of his career, leading Baroda to an extraordinary milestone in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) on Thursday, December 5. In a match against Sikkim, Baroda set a new benchmark by scoring 349/5—the highest total ever in T20 cricket history.
Bhanu’s breathtaking performance was the centerpiece of this historic feat. The right-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 134 runs off just 51 balls, achieving a remarkable strike rate of 262.74. This knock not only played a key role in setting the record total but also became the second-highest individual score in the tournament this year.
Baroda’s dominance didn’t stop there. They secured a resounding victory, defeating Sikkim by a staggering 263 runs. Sikkim’s chase ended at 86/7 in their 20 overs. Bhanu’s incredible batting display earned him the well-deserved ‘Player of the Match’ title.
Here are five interesting facts about the rising star Bhanu Pania:
1. A talent from Jodhpur, playing for Baroda
Although Bhanu Pania has become a star for Baroda, he hails from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Born on September 4, 1996, the 28-year-old batter’s full name is Bhanu Jagdish Pania. Despite his roots in Rajasthan, he chose to represent Baroda in domestic cricket, and this decision has brought him recognition.
2. Debut Journey Began in 2021
Bhanu made his T20 debut for Baroda on January 10, 2021, against Uttarakhand. Though he scored only 1 run in his first outing, it marked the start of his professional journey. Later that year, in December, he debuted in List A cricket during the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Mumbai. Unfortunately, his List A debut was not memorable either, as he was dismissed for a first-ball duck. Interestingly, Bhanu has not yet played a first-class match.
Read More
3. First Century in SMAT 2024/25
Before his heroics against Sikkim, Bhanu had never scored a hundred in his professional career. His unbeaten 134 in this match was his maiden century for Baroda. Before this, his highest score in T20 and List A matches was just 55, and his T20 career average was a modest 25.61 with a strike rate of 135.98.
4. A Batter Who Hasn’t Bowled Yet
While Bhanu is a right-arm medium pacer, he has never bowled in any of his matches for Baroda. Across his 36 T20 games and 11 List A matches, he has focused solely on his batting. His powerful innings against Sikkim showcased his primary strength—dominating with the bat.
5. Missed Out at the IPL Auction
Bhanu’s spectacular performance in the ongoing SMAT will likely catch the attention of IPL franchises. However, he had already registered for the IPL 2023 auction with a base price of ₹20 lakh. Unfortunately, he went unsold. With his recent exploits, the scenario could change in the upcoming auctions.
Bhanu Pania’s incredible knock against Sikkim has placed him in the spotlight, and his journey is one to watch in the coming years. This rising star has proven that persistence and talent can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Also Read: The Different Types Of Ducks In Cricket
