## SMAT 2025-26 Round 3 Highlights Round 3 of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 delivered explosive performances from several Indian stars, with Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking innings and Sanju Samson’s return to form taking center stage. ### Abhishek Sharma’s Dominance Abhishek Sharma shone brightly for Punjab with a breathtaking knock that rewrote tournament records. His aggressive stroke play helped Punjab secure a commanding win. The left-hander continued his incredible white-ball form, blending timing with power across all parts of the ground. > “I back my instincts and play with freedom,” Abhishek said after his innings. His unbeaten effort propelled Punjab to one of the highest totals of the round, setting the tone for their campaign. ### Samson Leads Kerala’s Charge Sanju Samson regained touch for Kerala with a flamboyant half-century. The Kerala skipper’s innings came after a quiet start to the tournament, and his form offered reassurance ahead of key fixtures. His fluent strokes through cover and innovative shot-making showcased the class that makes him a limited-overs asset. ### Other Notable Performances - Suryakumar Yadav played a brisk cameo for Mumbai, maintaining rhythm after returning from injury rehabilitation. - Rinku Singh anchored Uttar Pradesh’s chase with controlled aggression and mature shot selection. - Emerging pacers like Yash Dayal and Harshit Rana impressed with disciplined spells that restricted their opponents early on. ### Team Results Snapshot - **Punjab**: Dominant win powered by Abhishek’s fireworks. - **Kerala**: Clinched a comfortable victory as Samson guided the chase. - **Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh**: Continued momentum with all-round contributions. ### Tournament Outlook After three rounds, a few teams have begun separating from the pack. Punjab looks well-balanced, Kerala has regained footing, and heavyweights Mumbai and Karnataka remain in contention for top spots as the tournament progresses toward the decisive stages. *** **Author Summary:** Abhishek Sharma’s record innings and Sanju Samson’s revival defined Round 3 of SMAT 2025-26, spotlighting India’s next wave of white-ball talent.

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Sportstar — 2025-11-30