SMAT 2024: Run machine Ajinkya Rahane decimates Baroda, powers Mumbai to final

Ajinkya Rahane delivered a batting masterclass, smashing a scintillating 98 off 56 balls to power Mumbai into the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) final with a commanding six-wicket win over Baroda at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Friday.

Rahane, who has been in phenomenal form throughout the tournament, once again proved why he is regarded as one of India’s finest on the domestic circuit. KKR’s new recdecorated with 11 boundaries and five towering sixes, laid the foundation for Mumbai’s successful chase of Baroda’s 158/7, achieved with 16 balls to spare.

The Mumbai opener, however, fell just short of a well-deserved century. With the team needing just one run for victory, Rahane’s attempt to finish in style ended in disappointment as he skied a delivery to be caught behind. Yet, the damage had been done, and Mumbai cruised to their second SMAT final.

Captain Shreyas Iyer provided stellar support, blasting a 30-ball 46 in a crucial 88-run partnership with Rahane for the second wicket. Iyer’s knock, featuring three sixes and four fours, kept Mumbai well ahead of the required run rate. Later, contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (19) and Suryansh Shedge, who finished the chase with a six, sealed the comprehensive win.

Earlier, Mumbai’s disciplined bowling unit set the tone by restricting Baroda to a modest total. Electing to bat under cloudy skies, Baroda started positively with Krunal Pandya (30 off 24) and opener Shashwat Rawat (33 off 29) taking the score to 73/1 in nine overs. However, a sharp spell from Suryansh Shedge, who dismissed Krunal, triggered a dramatic collapse.

Baroda slipped from 73/1 to 103/6, with Mumbai’s bowlers maintaining relentless pressure. Late cameos from Atit Sheth (26* off 17) and Shivalik Sharma (21 off 12) injected some momentum, adding 53 runs in the final five overs, but their efforts were insufficient to challenge Mumbai’s in-form batting.

Brief Scores: Baroda 158/7 in 20 overs (Shashwat Rawat 33, Shivalik Sharma 36*; Suryansh Shedge 2-11, Tanush Kotian 1-16) lost to Mumbai 164/4 in 17.2 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 98, Shreyas Iyer 46) by 6 wickets.