Within the semifinal encounter of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Mumbai emerged victorious over Baroda by 6 wickets. The thrilling contest was highlighted by an unimaginable fielding show from Mumbai’s Atharva Ankolekar, who took a surprising catch to dismiss Baroda’s opener Abhimanyu Singh.
Atharva Ankolekar’s excellent catch
The wicket got here within the third over of Baroda’s innings, when Mumbai’s bowler Mohit Avasthi delivered a shortish supply to Abhimanyu, he tried a pull shot throughout the road, just for the ball to skew excessive into the air. It appeared as if it could fall safely past mid-wicket, however Ankolekar, stationed at mid-wicket, had different plans.
The 24-year-old sprinted after the ball, and in a surprising show of athleticism, he timed his dive completely. He managed to get each palms below the ball, but it surely slipped barely off his fingers. Nonetheless, Ankolekar’s fast reflexes allowed him to recuperate, pouncing on the ball in a second try simply inches above the bottom. The gang erupted as Mumbai took an early breakthrough, dismissing Abhimanyu Singh for 9 runs off 10 balls.
Right here is the video:
𝙒𝙃𝘼𝙏. 𝘼. 𝘾𝘼𝙏𝘾𝙃!
That was an absolute stunner from Atharva Ankolekar 👌👌
LIVE ▶️ https://t.co/b9vrOYcADy#SMAT | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/sU1RMgOGoq
— BCCI Home (@BCCIdomestic) December 13, 2024
Ankolekar wasn’t only a hero within the discipline; he additionally contributed with the ball. The left-arm off-spinner claimed a vital wicket, dismissing Baroda’s Bhanu Pania. Ankolekar’s all-round efficiency proved to be a key consider Mumbai’s dominance all through the match.
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Baroda units a modest goal
Requested to bat first, Baroda posted a complete of 158/7 of their allotted 20 overs. Regardless of some resistance, their innings by no means actually gained momentum. Shivalik Sharma was the standout performer for Baroda, scoring 36 not out off 24 balls, which included 2 fours and a couple of sixes. Nonetheless, Mumbai’s bowlers maintained tight management, with each bowler choosing up not less than one wicket.
Suryansh Shedge was notably spectacular, taking 2 wickets in his 2-over spell. Mumbai’s disciplined bowling efficiency ensured that Baroda’s whole was stored below management, leaving Mumbai with a chaseable goal of 159.
Mumbai’s chase led by Ajinkya Rahane’s explosive batting
In reply, Mumbai wasted no time and chased down the goal with ease, scoring 164/4 in simply 17.2 overs. Mumbai’s batting was led by their opener, Ajinkya Rahane, who performed a blistering knock of 98 runs off 56 balls. Rahane’s innings included 11 fours and 5 sixes, and he displayed an distinctive strike fee of 175.00, narrowly missed out on a well-deserved century.
Whereas Rahane’s fireworks stole the highlight, Mumbai’s captain, Shreyas Iyer, performed an important supporting position, scoring 46 runs off 30 balls. Iyer’s composed innings ensured that Mumbai stayed on observe, and their victory was secured with greater than 2 overs to spare.
Rahane was rightfully named the Participant of the Match for his excellent contribution with the bat. Mumbai’s all-around efficiency earned them a spot within the last of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, turning into the primary group to achieve the match’s last.