Mumbai defeated struggling Madhya Pradesh by five wickets to become Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy champions at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.
In the final of the tournament, witnessed by a large and enthusiastic crowd, Mumbai achieved the ambitious target of 175 runs. Opener and form batsman Ajinkya Rahane (37, 30b, 4×4) provided a platform for Suryakumar Yadav to showcase his strength. There was no shortage of pull-ups and spins as Suryakumar (48, 35b, 4×4, 3×6) got into rhythm.
Mumbai were in trouble when Suryakumar went down mid-play. With Mumbai at 129 for five, Madhya Pradesh despaired of their chance. However, Suryansh Shedge (36 no, 15b, 3×4, 3×6) and Atharva Ankolekar (16 no, 6b, 2×6) rose to the occasion with a breathtaking unbeaten knock of 19 balls and 51 sixes.
Young Shedge cemented his growing reputation as a finishing ace with another fearless knock.
Mumbai lifted their second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after their maiden victory in the 2022-23 season.
Madhya Pradesh skipper Rajat Patidar dominated the first half of the match with a stunning unbeaten 40-81 knockout. Patidar single-handedly kept MP MP competitive, even as the rest of the batsmen struggled with a spongy bounce.
Several sixes – the proven front drive and the dancing hook – received thunderous applause. The 31-year-old was let down by his teammates who failed to provide him with reliable company.
Harpreet Singh, who entered the field at the age of four, delivered momentum to Mumbai with a fast-paced 23-ball 15.
Results:
MP 174/8 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 81 no) lost to Mumbai 180/5 in 17.5 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 48, Suryansh Shedge 36 no, Ajinkya Rahane 37). Draw: Mumbai, PoM: Suryansh Shedge, PoS: Ajinkya Rahane
