Mumbai defeated Madhya Pradesh by five wickets in Bengaluru on Sunday to win the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Mumbai’s collective batting strength proved too much for a spirited MP side.
Mumbai chased down a target of 175, reaching 180 for five in 17.5 overs. The slightly tacky pitch offered some challenges, but Mumbai ultimately prevailed.
This victory marks Mumbai’s second SMAT title, their first coming in 2022. Madhya Pradesh’s wait for their first trophy continues.
Suryakumar Yadav‘s 48 off 35 balls revitalised Mumbai’s chase. He and Ajinkya Rahane (37 off 30 balls) partnered for a crucial 52-run stand for the third wicket.
Prithvi Shaw and captain Shreyas Iyer were dismissed early in the innings, both falling to casual shots.
Rahane and Suryakumar appeared poised to guide Mumbai to victory, but Rahane was caught by Rahul Batham off Venkatesh Iyer.
Suryakumar was then dismissed shortly after, caught by Avesh Khan off Shivam Shukla.
Mumbai needed 46 runs with 14.4 overs completed and five wickets down. Suryansh Shedge (36 not out) and Atharva Ankolekar (16 not out) finished the job with an explosive partnership.
Rajat Patidar‘s unbeaten 81 anchored Madhya Pradesh’s innings. He scored his fifth fifty of the tournament.
Patidar’s entertaining innings captivated the crowd of over 15,000, who strongly supported MP. He was the mainstay of the MP innings. Shubhranshu Senapati’s 23 was the next highest score.
Madhya Pradesh’s innings started slowly. Openers Arpit Gaud (3) and Harsh Gawli (2) were dismissed early.
MP reached 38 for two in the Powerplay and 114 for five after 15 overs.
Patidar and Rahul Batham (19) added 56 runs for the sixth wicket, boosting MP’s total in the final overs.
Patidar accelerated his scoring rate towards the end of the innings, showcasing his clean striking ability. One highlight was a stunning six off Shardul Thakur.
Despite Patidar’s brilliant performance, Mumbai’s batting strength proved decisive. Mumbai secured their second SMAT title.
Brief scores: Madhya Pradesh: 174/8 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 81 not out, Subhranshu Senapati 23; Shardul Thakur 2/41, Royston Dias 2/32) lost to Mumbai: 180/5 in 17.5 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 48, Ajinkya Rahane 37, Suryansh Shedge 36 not out; Tripuresh Singh 2/34) by 5 wickets.
