In the semi-final match Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 At the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Mumbai He emerged victorious Baroda By 6 wickets. The exciting contest was highlighted by a stunning on-field display from Mumbai Atharva Ankolekarwho had a stunning catch to deny Baroda's opener Abhimanyu Singh.
Atharva Ankolekar's wonderful catch
The wicket came in the third over of Baroda's innings, when he was the Mumbai spinner Mohit Avasthi He delivered a short pass to Abhimanyu, and attempted to hit the ball across the line, only for the ball to deflect high in the air. It looked as if he would fall safely beyond mid-wicket, but Ankolkar, stationed at mid-wicket, had other plans.
The 24-year-old sprinted after the ball and, in a display of stunning athleticism, timed his jump perfectly. He managed to get both hands under the ball, but it slipped slightly from his fingers. However, Ankolkar's quick reflexes allowed him to recover, as he pounced on the ball for the second attempt just inches from the ground. The crowd erupted as Mumbai took an early lead by dismissing Abhimanyu Singh for 9 runs off 10 balls.
Here is the video:
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Ankolkar was not just a hero on the field; He also contributed with the ball. The left-arm off-spinner got a crucial wicket, dismissing Baroda Bhanu baniya. Ankolekar's all-round performance proved to be a major factor in Mumbai's dominance throughout the match.
also Watch: Lokman Miriwala picks three wickets in one match in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
Baroda sets a modest goal
When Baroda was asked to bat first, he scored a total of 158/7 in his allotted 20 overs. Despite some resistance, their roles never gained traction. Shivalik Sharma He was the standout performer for Baroda, scoring 36 off 24 balls, which included 2 fours and 2 sixes. However, Mumbai's bowlers maintained tight control, with each bowler picking up at least one wicket.
Suryansh Shedge He was particularly impressive, taking 2 wickets in his 2-over spell. Mumbai's disciplined bowling performance ensured they kept Baroda's total in check, leaving Mumbai with a chaseable target of 159.
Mumbai's chase was led by Ajinkya Rahane's explosive batting
In response, Mumbai wasted no time and chased down the target with ease, scoring 164/4 in just 17.2 overs. Mumbai's batting was led by the opener, Ajinkya Rahanewho played a blistering knock of 98 runs off 56 balls. Rahane's innings included 11 fours and 5 sixes, and he showed an exceptional strike rate of 175.00, which he narrowly missed out on a deserved century.
While Rahane's fireworks stole the show, the Mumbai captain, Shreyas Iyer, He played a vital supporting role, scoring 46 runs off 30 balls. Iyer's composed innings ensured that Mumbai stayed on track, and their win was secured by over 2 overs.
Rahane was rightfully named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution with the bat. Mumbai's all-round performance earned them a place in the final of the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, becoming the first team to reach the final of the tournament.