SMAT: Rahane's Remarkable 98 Propels Mumbai to Finals
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Bengaluru, Dec 13 (NationPress) Ajinkya Rahane showcased a stunning performance with a magnificent 98 runs off 56 balls, propelling Mumbai to a six-wicket triumph over Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) semifinal, thus advancing to the final for the second time.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Baroda set a target of 159 runs, thanks to contributions from Krunal Pandya who scored 30 off 24 and Shivalik Sharma who remained unbeaten on 36. In reply, Mumbai successfully chased the target in 17.2 overs, with Rahane's impressive 98, which included five sixes and 11 boundaries, alongside Shreyas Iyer's valuable 46.
Baroda started positively in overcast conditions, with Pandya (30) and Shashwat Rawat (33) forming a partnership of 73 runs in the opening nine overs, despite early loss of Abhimanyusingh Rajput for just 9. However, a crucial wicket from Suryansh Shedge removing Pandya led to a dramatic collapse, as Baroda slipped from 73/1 to 103/6.
Late contributions from Atit Sheth (22) and Shivalik Sharma (36 not out) enabled Baroda to finish with a competitive total of 158/7. Shedge emerged as the standout bowler for Mumbai, finishing with 2 wickets for 11 runs, while five others claimed a wicket each.
In their chase for 159, Mumbai maintained a steady grip on the game. Rahane and Iyer's partnership was pivotal, adding 88 runs for the second wicket until Iyer was dismissed for 46 by Atit Sheth. As Mumbai neared victory, Rahane attempted a stylish finish but ended up skying the ball to the wicketkeeper. Nonetheless, with plenty of balls and wickets remaining, Mumbai easily crossed the finish line.
Mumbai now advances to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final with confidence and will face the winner of the second semifinal between Delhi and Madhya Pradesh.
Brief score:
Baroda 158 for 7 in 20 overs (Shivalik Sharma 36, Shashwat Rawat 33; Suryansh Shedge 2-11, Atharva Ankolekar 1-25) lost to Mumbai 164 for 4 in 17.2 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 98; Shreyas Iyer 46; Hardik Pandya 1-29, Atit Sheth 1-39) by six wickets.
