In the final round of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, mumbai emerge triumphant over Baroda by 6 wickets. The exciting tournament was marked by an amazing fielding display from Mumbai's Atharva Ankolekarwho took a stunning catch to dismiss the Baroda opener Abhimanyu Singh.
Excellent catch by Atharva Ankolekar
The wicket came in the 3rd of Baroda's innings, when Mumbai bowled Mohit Avasthi delivered a short delivery to Abhimanyu, he tried to pull a shot across the line, only for the ball to go into the air. It looked like it would fall safely beyond mid-wicket, but Ankolekar, stationed at mid-wicket, had other plans.
The 24-year-old stepped out after the ball, and in an amazing display of athleticism, he perfectly placed his dive. He got both hands under the ball, but it slipped slightly off his fingers. However, Ankolekar's quick reflexes allowed him to recover, pouncing on the ball at a second attempt just inches above the ground. The crowd erupted as Mumbai made an early breakthrough, dismissing Abhimanyu Singh for 9 runs off 10 balls.
Here is the video:
WHAT. 𝑴. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘯!
That was a real stunner from Atharva Ankolekar 👌👌
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— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 13, 2024
Ankolekar was not just a hero in the field; he also added to the ball. The left-arm spinner claimed a vital wicket, dismissing Baroda's Bhanu Pania. Ankolekar's all-round performance had been a key factor in Mumbai's dominance throughout the game.
Also Watch: Lukman Meriwala picks three wickets in one over at Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
Baroda sets a small target
Asked to bat first, Baroda posted a total of 158/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite some struggles, their innings never gained momentum. Shivalik Sharma He was the standout player for Baroda, scoring 36 not out from 24 balls, including 2 fours and 2 sixes. However, the Mumbai bowlers maintained tight control, with every bowler picking up at least one wicket.
Suryansh Shed particularly impressive, taking 2 wickets in his 2-over spell. Mumbai's disciplined bowling performance ensured that Baroda's total was kept in check, leaving Mumbai with a target of 159 runs.
Mumbai's run led by Ajinkya Rahane's explosive batting
In reply, 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 their opener, Rathian Fieldwho played a massive knock of 98 runs off 56 balls. Rahane's innings included 11 fours and 5 sixes, and he displayed an outstanding strike rate of 175.00, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century.
While Rahane's fireworks stole the limelight, the Mumbai captain said, Shreyas Iyer, He played a vital supporting role, scoring 46 runs off 30 balls. Iyer's innings ensured that Mumbai stayed on course, and their victory was secured with over 2 wickets to spare.
Rahane was rightly named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance with the bat. Mumbai's all-round performance earned them a place in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, the first team to reach the final of the tournament.
