Bengaluru, Dec 13 (Representative) Mumbai booked their spot in the finals of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, with a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Baroda, powered by Ajinkya Rahane’s dazzling 98 and a composed finishing touch from Suryansh Shedge.Chasing 159, Rahane’s masterful innings set the tone for Mumbai’s dominant chase. The seasoned batsman smashed 11 boundaries and five sixes in his 56-ball knock, tearing apart Baroda’s bowling attack. While he narrowly missed out on a century, his performance ensured Mumbai stayed in control throughout the chase. Rahane found able support in Shreyas Iyer, who contributed a brisk 46 off 30 balls. The duo forged a crucial 88-run partnership that put Mumbai on the brink of victory. After Iyer’s departure, Suryakumar Yadav succumbed for one and Shivam Dube kept the momentum going before Suryansh Shedge sealed the deal with a six off debutant Shashwat Rawat.Mumbai achieved the target with 16 balls to spare. Baroda’s bowlers had a tough outing, failing to apply pressure on Mumbai’s formidable batting lineup.
Atit Sheth and Abhimanyu Singh Rajput managed one wicket apiece, with Rajput dismissing Rahane late in the innings – a consolation wicket as Mumbai marched toward victory.Rahane’s stellar knock earned him the Player of the Match award, underlining his role as the architect of Mumbai’s successful chase.With this win, Mumbai advances to the finals, where they aim to clinch the championship against a challenging opponent. Earlier, Baroda set a competitive target of 158/7, riding on late fireworks from Shivalik Sharma. However, Mumbai’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Shedge and Tanush Kotian, kept them in check for most of the innings.Baroda’s innings gained momentum in the final overs, courtesy of Sharma’s 36 off 24 and Mahesh Pithiya’s last-ball six. Atit Sheth’s quickfire 22 off 14 further bolstered the total. Shardul Thakur picked up a vital wicket but was expensive, conceding 46 runs in his four overs.
After a steady start, Baroda’s middle order faltered. Hardik Pandya fell for just 5, undone by Dube’s clever variations. Shashwat Rawat chipped in with a useful 33 off 29 but was bowled by Kotian. Mumbai’s bowlers were clinical, especially in the powerplay. Shedge impressed with figures of 2/11, including a sharp return catch to dismiss Vishnu Solanki, while Atharva Ankolekar kept things tight with 1/25. Brief Scores: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, Semifinal; Baroda: 158/7 (20 overs), Shivalik Sharma 36* (24), Shashwat Rawat 33 (29), Suryansh Shedge 2/11, Tanush Kotian 1/16; Mumbai: 164/4 (17.2 overs), Ajinkya Rahane 98 (56), Shreyas Iyer 46 (30), Atit Sheth 1/39, Abhimanyu Singh Rajput 1/10; Mumbai won by six wickets; Player of the Match: Ajinkya Rahane.