In an action-packed fifth round of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024, Saurashtra’s explosive performance, Karnataka’s stunning early breakthroughs, and Punjab’s narrow win ensured that the competition remains intense in the race for the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Baroda’s struggles without Hardik Pandya highlighted the challenges they faced, while Andhra maintained their unbeaten streak to keep their own qualification hopes alive.
Saurashtra Smash High Score to Stay Alive
Saurashtra continued their ascent in the tournament with a sensational performance, posting 266 for 6 — the second-highest total in SMAT history — to defeat Group B leaders Baroda by 78 runs. With four wins from five matches, Saurashtra are now second on the points table, with the top three teams (Baroda, Saurashtra, and Gujarat) separated only by net run rate.
The absence of Hardik Pandya, Baroda’s top all-rounder, proved costly as Saurashtra’s Harvik Desai set the tone with a blistering 39-ball 76. There were valuable contributions from opener Tarang Goel (15-ball 40) and Jay Gohil (18-ball 53) who guided Saurashtra to their massive total. Baroda’s chase was undermined early on when they were reduced to 29 for 3 during the powerplay. Despite a valiant 188 for 8 effort, Baroda could not keep up with the required run rate, although they managed to stay at the top of the group.
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Karnataka’s Quickfire Win Knocks Out Tamil Nadu
Karnataka delivered a knockout blow to Tamil Nadu’s campaign with a sensational bowling performance. Vasuki Koushik led the charge, exploiting the early morning moisture in Indore to take 3 wickets in his first two overs. Tamil Nadu were left reeling at 7 for 4, eventually being bowled out for a mere 90 runs. Karnataka chased down the target in just 11.3 overs, with Manish Pandey’s quick-fire 42 sealing the victory.
With this loss, Tamil Nadu, who have been dominant in recent years, were eliminated from the tournament — a shocking setback for the two-time defending champions.
Punjab Stay Alive with Nail-biting Victory
Punjab continued to keep their slim knockout hopes alive with a thrilling seven-run win over Hyderabad. After posting a competitive 196 for 6, powered by Anmolpreet Singh’s 60 and Ramandeep Singh’s quickfire 39 not out, Punjab’s bowlers, led by Naman Dhir, restricted Hyderabad to 189, despite a late onslaught by Chama Milind (22-ball 55). Dhir was the star with the ball, taking his first-ever five-wicket haul in T20s, while Ramandeep Singh’s cameo provided crucial momentum for Punjab’s score.
The match had looked in Hyderabad’s grasp when they were 141 for 8 in the 17th over, but Milind’s barrage of sixes raised the tension before Arshdeep Singh sealed Punjab’s win.
Andhra’s Unbeaten Run Continues
Andhra’s march towards the knockouts remains strong as they registered a 23-run win over Services. The top-order duo of KS Bharat (63 off 39 balls) and Ricky Bhui (84 off 35 balls) helped Andhra set a daunting target of 223. Services put up a fight, with captain Mohit Ahlawat scoring 74 off 37 balls, but Cheepurapalli Stephen’s 3 for 26 kept the opposition at bay, limiting them to 199.
Andhra, still unbeaten after four games, will face a tough challenge ahead with matches against Kerala and Mumbai, who are also in the hunt for a knockout spot.
As the competition intensifies, the race for the SMAT 2024 knockout stages is wide open, with teams jostling for position in a group of death, where every match is proving to be crucial.
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