Shardul Thakur rips through Assam with explosive five-wicket haul in SMAT 2025

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New Delhi: Shardul Thakur reminded everyone of his match-winning ability with a fiery spell that ripped through Assam’s batting order in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Thakur, leading Mumbai from the front, showcased an all-rounder performance as he took five wickets in just three overs. He put his side in complete command of the contest at Wankhede. With the IPL around the corner, this performance could not have come at a better time as Mumbai Indians traded for him ahead of IPL 2026.

Earlier, Mumbai had already laid down a strong platform with the bat, posting a commanding 221-run target. Once the bowlers took over it was clear Assam were in for a struggle. Thakur was handed the new ball and what followed was one of the most devastating short spells seen in the competition’s history.

18 balls, five wickets and Assam in tatters

Shardul struck with the very first ball of the innings removing Danish Das to send an early message. The home crowd roared again as Abdul Aziz Qureshi and Riyan Parag followed in the same over. Three wickets in just five balls, a complete dream start. Assam looked totally shaken and Shardul could smell more.

He returned for his second over and struck immediately once again, stunning the batters and piling pressure on a sinking chase. Assam never recovered as Thakur’s final wicket came in his third over, giving him five for 23, ending a whirlwind spell that left half the batting line-up back in the pavilion and a powerplay scoreboard reading just 49 for six.

With their backbone snapped early, Assam folded for 122 in 19.1 overs, giving Mumbai a massive 98-run victory. Siraj Patil and Atharva Ankolekar chipped in with two wickets each while Shams Mulani added one of his own to finish the job.

Shardul hasn’t just been Mumbai’s strike bowler this season rather he is also the captain. Under his leadership, the side has been flawless so far winning all three clashes in Elite Group A and sitting comfortably on top of the table with 12 points. He has looked sharp every time he has taken the field, showing both rhythm and intent after his recent spells away from the India set-up.

This resurgence is encouraging for Mumbai Indians supporters, as after spending IPL 2025 with Lucknow Super Giants, Thakur’s return to the franchise has generated interest, especially with a busy IPL year ahead.