Fri Dec 13 20:30:54 UTC 2024: **Madhya Pradesh Storms into Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Final**
Bengaluru, India – Madhya Pradesh (MP) secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Delhi in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy semi-final on Friday, reaching their first final in 13 years. Skipper Rajat Patidar led the charge with a stunning unbeaten 66 off just 29 balls, punctuated by four fours and six sixes.
MP’s bowlers set the stage for the victory, restricting Delhi – the 2018 champions – to a modest 146/5. Venkatesh Iyer was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2/12. Delhi’s innings, despite a solid start from Yash Dhull (11) and Priyansh Arya (29), faltered after a flurry of wickets, including two quick dismissals by Iyer. Anuj Rawat’s 33 and Mayank Rawat’s 24 provided late impetus, but it wasn’t enough to set a challenging target.
MP’s chase began with a setback, losing two early wickets to Ishant Sharma. However, Harsh Gawli’s quickfire 30 and an unbroken 106-run partnership between Patidar and Harpreet Singh Bhatia (46 not out) steered MP home in 15.4 overs. Harpreet hit the winning six.
MP will now face Mumbai in the final on Sunday.
First Piper 