Baroda stunned cricket fans with a record-breaking 349/5 against Sikkim in the SMAT 2024-25, setting the highest-ever team total in T20 cricket. The explosive innings featured remarkable batting performances that overshadowed previous records. This historic feat highlights Baroda’s dominance and sets a new benchmark in the shortest format of the game.
Bhanu Pania starred for Baroda with an unbeaten century.
The Krunal Pandya-led Baroda cricket team made history on December 5, 2024, by setting a new world record for the highest team total in T20 cricket during their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) match against Sikkim.The two teams clashed at the Emerald High School Ground in Indore, where Baroda set a remarkable total of 349/5. This exceptional performance broke the previous record of 344/4, which was established by Zimbabwe against Gambia in October 2024. Openers Shashwat Rawat and Abhimanyu Singh delivered an explosive start, putting up a rapid 92-run partnership in just 5.1 overs. Singh was the standout performer, blasting an impressive 53 runs from just 17 balls, showcasing his aggressive intent right from the beginning. Rawat provided solid support at the other end, contributing to the fast-paced accumulation of runs. Their partnership set the tone for a dominant innings, putting immense pressure on the opposition from the outset. Singh’s swashbuckling knock included several boundaries and a couple of towering sixes, leaving the fielding side scrambling to contain the onslaught. The opening duo’s fiery performance not only gave their team a solid foundation but also kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. This remarkable start was a perfect example of aggressive batting, laying the groundwork for what could have been a commanding total.
Baroda’s extraordinary achievement stands as only the third instance of a team surpassing the 300-run mark in professional T20 cricket. Their explosive batting display powered them to a resounding victory over Sikkim, while etching their name in cricketing history with an unprecedented total. This remarkable feat not only underscores the growing power of T20 cricket but also showcases how the format continues to evolve with bigger scores and thrilling boundaries that captivate fans worldwide. Baroda’s performance is a testament to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the game, highlighting the intense excitement that T20 cricket brings to the global stage. The achievement further reinforces the format’s appeal, proving its place as one of the most exciting and influential styles of cricket. As the game continues to progress, this record serves as a significant milestone in the continued rise of T20 cricket and its increasing dominance in the sport.
Baroda’s Explosive Batting Sets a Record in T20 Cricket
Krunal Pandya won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that paid off handsomely. Openers Shashwat Rawat and Abhimanyu Singh set the tone with a blistering partnership of 92 runs in just 5.1 overs, with Singh smashing an impressive 53 runs off 17 balls.
The onslaught persisted as No. 3 batter Bhanu Pania took command, smashing an unbeaten 134* off just 51 balls. His remarkable knock featured 15 towering sixes and 5 boundaries, leaving the opposition stunned. Pania’s explosive innings demonstrated his immense power and skill, ensuring his team’s dominance as they surged to a commanding total. The opposition could only watch in disbelief as he tore apart their bowling attack, providing a masterclass in destructive batting. His performance was a spectacle of clean hitting, cementing his place as a match-winner and a standout performer in the contest.
Not to be outdone, Shivalik Sharma contributed with a quick-fire 55 runs off 17 balls, while Vishnu Solanki added a blistering 50 off just 16 balls. The collective efforts of these explosive batters propelled Baroda to a massive total, marking one of the most thrilling batting performances in T20 history.
Top 5 highest team totals in T20 cricket:
| Team | Score | Opposition | Venue | Date |
| Baroda | 349/5 | Sikkim | Indore | 5 Dec 2024 |
| Zimbabwe | 344/4 | Gambia | Nairobi (Ruaraka) | 23 Oct 2024 |
| Nepal | 314/3 | Mongolia | Hangzhou | 27 Sep 2023 |
| India | 297/6 | Bangladesh | Hyderabad | 12 Oct 2024 |
| SRH | 287/3 | RCB | Bengaluru | 15 Apr 2024 |