Despite limited opportunities, there has been no lack of intent from Wriddhiman Saha. The Bengal cricketer has become an integral part of the Indian Test side on the back of his efficiency behind the stumps and ability to stabilise the middle-order with the willow. He might have struggled to find a place in the limited-overs team, but that, by no means, should not allow anyone to judge or doubt his batting prowess.
His wide array of strokes delivered with impeccable timing were on full display during his unbelievable knock of 102 off just 20 balls. Yep, you read that right. It might seem the kind of score you derive in ‘book cricket’, but it did really happen. The right-hander was at his prolific best smashing 14 sixes and four fours at a strike-rate of 510 in his unbeaten knock for Mohun Bagan Club on 24 March.
Saha achieved the feat during Mohun Bagan’s clash with BNR Recreation Club in the JC Mukherjee Trophy Tournament – a local T20 tourney – in Kolkata. Chasing 152 runs, Saha opened the batting with his teammate Subhomoy Das (22-ball 43*). The duo went hammer and tongs against BNR’s bowling attack and the finish couldn’t have been any better. Saha smashed six sixes off medium-pacer Aman Prosad who conceded 37 runs – including a wide – in the over. Thanks to Saha, Mohun Bagan achieved the target in just seven overs with 10 wickets to spare.
“I could feel from the first ball that I was able to hit the ball in the middle and I went for it. Not sure of this being a record, but looking into the IPL, I tried to play different shots and it worked,” Saha, who loves to open the batting in limited overs cricket, told after the match.
