Nikhil Chaudhary produced the finest innings of his Australian career on Monday, smashing a maiden first-class century for Tasmania and becoming the first Indian this century to score a Sheffield Shield hundred. His commanding 163 not only propelled Tasmania to their second-highest total in Shield history but also left New South Wales fatigued after a long, punishing day in the Sydney heat.

Building on momentum from Caleb Jewell’s century a day earlier, Tasmania surged ahead through Tim Ward and Chaudhary, both reaching triple figures. Ward played fluently through the offside to notch his first red-ball hundred of the summer, but it was Chaudhary who delivered the day’s defining performance , a display of authority, timing, and flair.

From Delhi to Tasmania: Nikhil Chaudhary’s unconventional journey

Born in Delhi, Chaudhary represented Punjab in one-day cricket before moving to Australia in 2020. What began as a short trip turned into a permanent shift after COVID-19 lockdowns stranded him in Australia. During that time, he balanced cricket with work outside the sport, taking odd jobs, including at Australia Post, while continuing to play club cricket.

Chaudhary’s breakthrough came when Tasmania assistant coach James Hopes spotted him in Queensland club cricket, earning him a Hobart Hurricanes BBL contract. In his debut season, he showcased glimpses of his potential through quick cameos and wickets, cementing his unconventional rise from Punjab to Australian cricket.

On Monday, Chaudhary showcased his batting prowess. Over a 184-ball stay, he hammered five sixes, repeatedly targeting legspinner Tanveer Sangha. Four of those sixes came in the final hour, including a towering slog-sweep onto the grandstand roof to bring up his 150.

Tasmania declared at 8-623, setting NSW a daunting challenge with a 232-run lead. The Blues survived a tense five overs to reach 0-9 at stumps but face a long road to save the match.

For Chaudhary, this innings marked a breakthrough, a statement performance that underlined his growing influence in Australian domestic cricket.