The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Semi-Final 1, held in Bengaluru, showcased a thrilling clash between two in-form teams: Mumbai and Baroda. Both sides entered the match on impressive winning streaks, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter. However, it was Mumbai who emerged victorious, powered by a stellar performance from captain Ajinkya Rahane. Leading from the front, Rahane's consistent form and aggressive batting played a pivotal role in Mumbai's dominant display. His efforts propelled the team to a well-earned victory, securing their spot in the finals of the SMAT 2024.
Mumbai Restricts Baroda to Below-Par Total
Mumbai won the toss and chose to bowl first. Baroda started steadily, losing only one wicket during the Powerplay. Captain Krunal Pandya and Shaswant Rawat batted well, setting a solid foundation with a 50-run partnership before Krunal Pandya was dismissed. Despite losing only two wickets in the first 10 overs, Baroda struggled to accelerate their scoring as several key players, including the in-form Hardik Pandya, lost their wickets under mounting pressure. Shivalik Sharma and A. Sheth finished the innings, helping Baroda reach a total of 158 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs. This was considered a below-par total given the conditions.
In response, Mumbai bowled exceptionally well, maintaining tight lines and consistently taking wickets in the last 10 overs, which prevented Baroda from finding any momentum. With this impressive bowling performance and the score on the board, the Mumbai camp appeared satisfied with their efforts and was preparing for an easy chase.
Ajinkya Rahane Unreal ConsistencyÂ
With 159 runs to chase down, both Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw were at the crease. Unfortunately, Shaw was unable to carry his form into this match and was the first wicket to return to the pavilion. Meanwhile, Rahane continued his impressive performance, delivering a masterclass during the powerplay alongside Shreyas Iyer.Â
The partnership between Iyer and Rahane blossomed in the middle overs, and as the match progressed, it became clear that Baroda was dejected and struggling in the field. Rahane carried the innings on his shoulders, reaching yet another fifty. However, he ran out of partners after Iyer, as Surya Kumar Yadav and a few others were dismissed for single-digit scores. Despite this, Rahane steered Mumbai to victory with a remarkable innings of 98 runs off 56 balls. Although he fell short of a century, Rahane was unfazed, knowing he had completed the job and left the field satisfied.Â
Mumbai chased down the target in 16 overs, securing their place in the finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for 2024. Ajinkya Rahane was awarded the Player of the Match for his match-winning performance.Â
Mumbai’s dominant performance in the semi-final not only secured their spot in the SMAT 2024 final but also highlighted the incredible consistency of captain Ajinkya Rahane. His leadership and stellar batting have been the driving force behind Mumbai’s success, and his performance in recent matches speaks volumes about his form. Rahane is now the top scorer of the tournament, with remarkable scores in his last five innings: 52(34), 68(35), 22(18), 95(54), 84(45), and 98(56). His consistency has been nothing short of exceptional, making him one of the standout performers of the competition. Mumbai will now face the winners of the Delhi vs Madhya Pradesh semi-final on Sunday in what promises to be an exciting final.
