Naman Dhir smashes 173 off 64 balls in Sher-E-Punjab T20 League, almost breaks Chris Gayle's record

Naman Dhir produced one of the most remarkable batting displays in domestic T20 cricket on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, smashing 173 runs off just 64 balls for Amritsar Soorma against Mohali Kings in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League. The innings brought him within touching distance of Chris Gayle's all-time T20 individual record of 175 not out.

Dhir, who represents Mumbai Indians in the IPL, struck 16 fours and 12 sixes during his explosive knock, finishing with a strike rate of 270.31. His innings single-handedly drove Amritsar Soormas to a massive total of 279 runs in their allotted 20 overs after they batted first against Mohali Kings.

The innings was built at a remarkable pace from the very start. Dhir reached his century in just 37 balls, completing the milestone during the 12th over of the innings. He continued to bat aggressively well beyond that landmark, adding a further 73 runs before his dismissal.

How did Amritsar Soorma's innings unfold around Dhir's knock?

Amritsar Soormas lost their first wicket cheaply when opener Sahaj Dhawan was dismissed for just one run. Despite that early setback, Dhir held firm at the other end and began to accelerate. Number three batter Rahul Kumar also departed quickly, contributing only 13 runs, leaving Dhir to shoulder the bulk of the scoring responsibility.

Jashanpreet Singh provided some support during the innings, contributing a useful 41 runs. However, it was Dhir's extraordinary hitting that defined the total. His 16 boundaries and 12 sixes across 64 deliveries ensured Amritsar Soorma posted 279 runs, a score that would have been unthinkable without his contribution.

How close did Dhir come to Chris Gayle's T20 batting record?

Chris Gayle holds the record for the highest individual score in T20 cricket, having made 175 not out for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors India in the IPL in April 2013. Dhir's 173 fell just two runs short of that landmark, making it one of the highest individual scores ever recorded in a T20 match anywhere in the world.

The innings underlines Dhir's growing reputation as a destructive top-order batter in the shortest format. His century off 37 balls is also among the fastest recorded in domestic T20 competition in India, though a precise ranking against other domestic T20 centuries would require further verification. The Sher-E-Punjab T20 League match against Mohali Kings on September 8 is certain to be remembered as a landmark day in his career.