SMAT 2024: Madhya Pradesh Secures Final Spot After 13 Years Thanks to Patidar's Heroics
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Bengaluru, Dec 13 (NationPress) In a commanding performance of power-hitting, Madhya Pradesh, captained by Rajat Patidar, surged into the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament for the first time in 13 years, defeating former champions Delhi by seven wickets in the semifinal held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Friday.
Patidar’s explosive unbeaten 66 runs off just 29 balls, combined with a stellar bowling display led by allrounder Venkatesh Iyer, ensured Madhya Pradesh’s place in the title clash against Mumbai.
Choosing to field first, Madhya Pradesh's bowlers validated the decision with a disciplined approach that restrained Delhi throughout their innings. Despite a solid start from Yash Dhull (11) and Priyansh Arya (29), who added 38 runs in 33 balls, the Delhi batting order crumbled under pressure. Tripuresh Singh broke the opening partnership by dismissing Dhull, while Kumar Kartikeya sent Arya back to the pavilion, leaving Delhi at 54/2 in the ninth over.
Venkatesh Iyer delivered a game-changing spell, striking twice in the 11th over to remove skipper Ayush Badoni (19) and Himmat Singh (15). His impressive figures of 2-12 were crucial in reducing Delhi to 79/5. Late contributions from Anuj Rawat (33 not out off 24) and Mayank Rawat (24 off 21) helped Delhi recover somewhat, but their total of 146/5 seemed inadequate on a batting-friendly pitch.
Chasing a target of 147, Madhya Pradesh faced early setbacks as Delhi's veteran pacer Ishant Sharma struck on the very first ball, dismissing opener Arpit Gaud for a duck. Ishant followed up by claiming Subhranshu Senapati (7), leaving MP at 20/2 in the third over. Harsh Gawli countered with a rapid 30 runs off 18 balls, including four boundaries and a six, to keep the chase alive. Despite his dismissal by Himanshu Chauhan in the seventh over, Gawli’s knock provided Madhya Pradesh a solid foundation.
With the score at 40/3, skipper Rajat Patidar took control. Unleashing a barrage of boundaries and sixes, Patidar exhibited his skill and composure, dominating the Delhi bowlers. He found a reliable partner in Harpreet Singh Bhatia, who contributed with an aggressive 46 not out off 34 balls. Together, they formed an unbroken 106-run partnership in just 57 balls, effectively quashing Delhi’s hopes of a comeback.
Patidar’s innings, featuring six sixes and four boundaries, showcased both power and precision. Harpreet complemented him with timely boundaries, sealing the chase with a six off Suyash Sharma, who had a tough outing, conceding 45 runs in 3.4 overs. Madhya Pradesh completed the chase in a mere 15.4 overs, securing a seven-wicket victory. This marks their first appearance in the final since finishing as runners-up in 2011, highlighting the team’s growth and resilience under Patidar’s leadership.
Madhya Pradesh will now face Mumbai in the final on Sunday at the same venue.
Brief scores:
Delhi 146 for 6 in 20 overs (Anuj Rawat 33, Priyansh Arya 29; Venkatesh Iyer 2-12, Tripuresh Singh 1-18) lose to Madhya Pradesh 152 for 3 in 15.4 overs (Rajat Patidar 66 not out, Harpreet Singh 46 not out; Ishant Sharma 2-12, Himanshu Chauhan 1-37) by seven wickets.
