Syed Mushtaq Ali: India's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara slams maiden T20 century in just 61 balls

Cheteshwar Pujara slammed his maiden Twenty20 (T20) century on Thursday while playing for Saurashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali match against Railways. 

Pujara, who is considered to be a pure Test specialist, showed his critics in a style that he can adapt to different formats easily when required. 

Having scored six half-centuries in the past in the T20 format, Pujara finally entered the three-digit score with an unbeaten 61-ball 100 in the Group C encounter in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. 

Pujara, who has been ignored by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises for a while, opened the innings for Saurashtra as he struck 14 fours and a six to help the Ranji Trophy finalists post 188 for 3 in 20 overs after they were asked to bat first by Railways.

The opening stand between Pujara and Harvik Desai put up 85 runs in 8.5 overs before the latter was dismissed for 34 runs in 24 balls. 

Pujara, who had completed his half-century in 29 balls, was then well supported Robin Uthappa, who has moved from Karnataka in 2017, as they added 82 runs for the second wicket and took the team beyond the 150-run mark.

In reply to Saurashtra's 188, Railways began their chase well as their opening stand went beyond 50 runs before Saurashtra's Prerak Mankad drew first blood.