Mumbai demonstrated their collective batting prowess to outmaneuver a gallant Madhya Pradesh side by five wickets, taking the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for the second time on Sunday. Chasing 175 on a tricky surface, Mumbai reached 180/5 in 17.5 overs, sealing a thriller of a final. Madhya Pradesh, led by skipper Rajat Patidar’s fluent unbeaten 81, fought valiantly but fell short of their maiden title, extending their wait for another season.
Patidar Anchors MP’s Innings With A Sublime Knock
After being put into bat, Madhya Pradesh stuttered early as openers Arpit Gaud (3) and Harsh Gawli (2) exited cheaply. They failed to build much and found themselves at 38/2 in the Power Play and 114/5 by the 15th over. However, it was Patidar who then anchored the innings with an excellent knock under pressure.
The right-hander, retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore, went along beautifully, pleasing a 15,000-strong audience with the elegance of his stroke play. His fifty contained one of the sweetest sixes off Shardul Thakur which came while walking across the line and was the highlight of his fifth fifty in the tournament. Patidar received some support from Rahul Batham (19 off 14), whose batting ensured the addition of 56 runs for the sixth wicket. A late flurry ensured MP added 60 runs in the last five overs, finishing on a competitive 175.
Suryakumar & Rahane Steady Mumbai’s Chase
Mumbai’s chase got off to a shaky start as skipper Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw were dismissed early due to careless shots. At 27/2, the experienced duo of Suryakumar Yadav and Ajinkya Rahane stepped up, steadying the innings with a crucial 52-run stand for the third wicket.
Suryakumar regained his fluent touch as he struck 48 off 35 with four boundaries and three sixes. Rahane, too, chipped in with 37 off 30 with four fours. Their partnership seemed to take the game away from Vidarbha, but within a few overs, both of them were back in the hut, leaving Mumbai perilously placed at 129/5 in 14.4 overs.
Shedge & Ankolekar Finish In Style
Despite the setbacks, Mumbai’s lower order rose to the occasion. Suryansh Shedge played a blistering cameo, smashing 36 not out off just 15 balls with three fours and three sixes. He was well-supported by Atharva Ankolekar, who contributed a quickfire 16 off six deliveries, including two towering sixes. The duo added 51 runs in just over three overs, sealing the chase with ease.
Second SMAT Title For Mumbai
This victory marked Mumbai’s second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph, their first since 2022. Madhya Pradesh, despite a spirited performance, couldn’t convert Patidar’s heroics into a title, prolonging their wait for a maiden championship.
