Naman Dhir produced one of the most destructive knocks of the Sher-e-Punjab T20 League 2026, tearing apart the Mohali Kings attack at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on September 8. The Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder smashed 173 runs from just 64 deliveries, combining 16 fours and 12 sixes in a breathtaking display of power-hitting.
Dhir’s extraordinary innings came after he was promoted to open the batting for Amritsar Soormas, and he made the opportunity count in spectacular fashion. His performance not only propelled Amritsar to a huge 279/7 but also strengthened the case for Dhir to be given a bigger role in the batting order by MI in the next IPL season.
Naman Dhir turns promotion to opener into a stunning assault
Dhir walked out to open alongside Sahaj Dhawan after Mohali Kings captain Ramandeep Singh chose to bowl first. He endured three dot deliveries at the start but quickly shifted gears, clearing the ropes twice in the second over before taking complete control of the innings.
The right-hander raced to 53 from just 19 balls by the end of the powerplay, despite losing partners at the other end. His most brutal assault came in the 12th over against Lovedeep Chatha, who had earlier bowled three consecutive dots to Dhir. The batter responded by smashing two fours and three successive sixes, while a no-ball took the over’s total to 30 runs.
Dhir brought up his century from only 38 balls, setting the platform for an even bigger finish. He continued attacking the bowlers after Abhishek Sharma joined him in the middle, and reached 150 from just 54 deliveries after hitting Harpreet Brar for two sixes in the 16th over.
Dhir falls just short of Chris Gayle’s T20 record
The onslaught continued deep into the innings, with Dhir eventually dismissed on the fourth delivery of the final over. He finished with 173 from 64 balls, falling just short of Chris Gayle’s record score of 175 in T20 cricket. His innings contained 28 boundaries in total and came at a staggering strike rate of 270.31. Abhay Choudhary also provided useful support with a 20-run cameo from 10 balls, helping Amritsar reach 279/7 despite Ayush Goyal claiming four wickets for Mohali.
Dhir’s knock also raises an interesting question for Mumbai Indians ahead of the next IPL season. He has predominantly been used as a middle-order batter and all-round option, but his ability to dominate from the opening position could encourage the franchise to consider giving him more responsibility with the bat.
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Here’s how fans reacted:
Naman Dhir smashed a stunning 173 off just 64 balls with 16 fours and 12 sixes at a staggering 270.3 strike rate in the Sher-e-Punjab league match 🚀💥#NamanDhir #Punjab #T20s pic.twitter.com/q1F9Xiefnz
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 8, 2026
NAMAN DHIR SHOW IN SHER-E-PUNJAB T20 LEAGUE 🥶
– Naman smashed 173 runs from just 64 balls including 16 fours & 12 sixes.
The Mumbai Indians boy is ruling, great news for IPL 2027. pic.twitter.com/Ywwp6ORMHe
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 8, 2026
Naman Dhir’s 173(64) in Sher-E-Punjab T20 is now the highest individual score in all State T20 leagues. pic.twitter.com/KqcEmSXCYj
— Peeyush Sharma (@peeyushsharmaa) September 8, 2026
THE MADNESS OF NAMAN DHIR. 🔥
Naman Dhir smashed 173 runs from 64 balls including 16 fours and 12 Sixes in this Sher-E-Punjab T20 league – What a Carnage from Naman Dhir. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/1jbf8hqwnc
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) September 8, 2026
History in Sher-e-Punjab T20 cup. Naman Dhir registered the highest individual score of the tournament. pic.twitter.com/Z2NrJYJuGo
— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) September 8, 2026
Naman Dhir missed out a double century
He departs after smashing a marvelous 173 run knock pic.twitter.com/oe2h8GkM9R— cricmawa (@cricmawa) September 8, 2026
HISTORY created in Sher-e-Punjab❗️
🌟𝙉𝘼𝙈𝘼𝙉 𝘿𝙃𝙄𝙍 scores 173(64)
-second highest-ever individual t20 score.
-almost beats Chris Gayle’s record, misses out by just 2 runs. pic.twitter.com/NhwlQINlmG— Theory (@BainsTheory) September 8, 2026
Absolutely ransacked the bowling, Naman Dhir.
All his usual shots. Well done to get 173!
Times are changing…. #punjabT20
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) September 8, 2026
Naman Dhir, good form, what a knock 173 !
— Mohit Bedmutha (@mohitbedmutha) September 8, 2026
173 in just 62 balls absolute masterclass by naman dhir second the season of sher E punjab, bhai don’t know about in other ground but in wankhede its happening soon @iamShaan08
— @Harmanpreetfc.@123 (@DiggySande10963) September 8, 2026
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