Fri Dec 13 10:45:36 UTC 2024: ## Rahane’s 98 Propels Mumbai to Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Final
**Mumbai, December 13, 2024** – Ajinkya Rahane’s blistering 98 propelled Mumbai to victory over Baroda in the semi-final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, securing their place in the final. Rahane, who fell just two runs short of a century, smashed five sixes and eleven fours in his 56-ball knock, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Mumbai, winning the toss and electing to bowl, restricted Baroda to 158/7 in their 20 overs. Hardik Pandya’s disappointing 5-run innings did little to aid Baroda’s cause. While Krishnal Pandya contributed 30 and opener Shashwat Rawat scored 33, Shivalik Sharma’s unbeaten 36 off 24 and Attit Seth’s quick 22 off 14 added some late impetus.
In reply, Mumbai chased down the target with ease, reaching 164/4 in 17.2 overs, winning by 6 wickets. Captain Shreyas Iyer also played a significant role, contributing a quickfire 46 off 30 balls. Suryakumar Yadav, however, was dismissed for just one run.
Rahane’s knock was particularly impressive, marking his highest score of the tournament. His consistent performance throughout the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with an average of 62 and a strike rate of 170, including 432 runs in 7 matches and five half-centuries, showcases his strong return to form. This semi-final 98 also set a new Mumbai record for Rahane, marking his 12th fifty-plus score in T20 matches for the team, surpassing captain Iyer’s 11. His innings included scores of 52(34), 68(35), 22(18), 95(53), 84(45) in the quarterfinal, and the match-winning 98 in the semis. At 36, Rahane’s resurgence is a testament to his enduring talent.
First Piper 