SMAT 2024-25: Ajinkya Rahane's 98, Anuj Rawat's 73 and Rajat Patidar's 66 are among the top five performances from Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this season.
The thrilling 17th edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT 2024-25) came to a dramatic conclusion as reigning Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai faced off against a formidable Madhya Pradesh (MP) team in the final on Sunday.
While Mumbai were the victors in the 2022 edition, it was a redemption of sorts for Rajat Patidar-led Madhya Pradesh, who were making a SMAT final appearance after 12 years. Ultimately, Mumbai claimed their second SMAT title, securing a 5-wicket triumph over MP in the final.
Over the years, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) has provided India with a vast pool of emerging talent, and this edition was no different. The tournament saw some breathtaking action, including Baroda setting the record for the highest-ever T20 score of 349.
Here are some of the standout performances by players in SMAT 2024-25.
Ajinkya Rahane (84) vs Vidarbha in QF
Ajinkya Rahane has seemingly turned a new leaf as far as his T20 batting is concerned. After a successful stint with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he continued his stellar T20 form in this edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) as well. In the five innings he batted during the group stages, Ajinkya Rahane smashed 250 runs, including a sensational match-winning 54-ball 95 against Andhra.
Coming into the knockout stages with a solid run of form, Rahane proved to be the deciding factor for Mumbai in their quarterfinal against Vidarbha. Chasing a monumental target of 222 to qualify for the semifinal, Rahane was at his rollicking best once again, playing a crucial role in his team's pursuit.
Along with Prithvi Shaw, the former India Test skipper accumulated 82 runs just in the powerplay, propelling Mumbai (157/4) to a strong position. Rahane’s explosive 45-ball 84 came to an end, but the foundation he laid allowed the middle-order to capitalise on the momentum and secure a comfortable win for Mumbai.
Anuj Rawat (73*) vs UP in QF
In their quarterfinal game against Uttar Pradesh (UP), Delhi got off to a solid start, scoring 81 runs in the first 10 overs. However, with both well-set openers, Priyansh Arya and Yash Dhull, getting dismissed in quick succession, Delhi needed someone to keep the momentum going.
They found that impetus in the form of Anuj Rawat. The left-hander, batting at No. 4, hammered four boundaries and as many sixes in his first 22 deliveries to bring up a quick half-century. He took apart Shivam Mavi (21) and the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar (13) in their respective overs, en route to a blistering unbeaten 33-ball 73. This explosive knock propelled Delhi to a formidable total of 193, which proved to be enough as they won by 18 runs.
Ajinkya Rahane (98) vs Baroda in semifinal
The senior pro from Mumbai again made his mark, this time with a stupendous knock against Baroda in the semifinal. Chasing a middling total of 159 to secure a place in the final, Rahane got Mumbai off to a fast start, with 61 runs coming off the first six overs.
The right-hander used all his experience to anchor the chase, reaching a half-century off just 28 balls. This was his third consecutive fifty-plus score and one that helped Mumbai secure a place in the final. Rahane narrowly missed a deserving century, falling just two runs short, but his 56-ball knock was one of the best in this SMAT. The veteran ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer, amassing 432 runs at an average of over 61 from seven innings.
Rajat Patidar (66*) vs Delhi in Semifinal
The skipper of Madhya Pradesh, Rajat Patidar, played a blinder in the all-important Semifinal clash against Delhi in Bengaluru. Having started the tournament with a bang, scoring three successive half-centuries in the league stages, Patidar went through a middle phase, scoring just 68 runs in three innings leading up to the semifinal.
However, on the big occasion, the right-hander stepped up when required. Chasing a tricky yet middling target of 147, Patidar came to the crease with his side reeling at 46/3 after 6.1 overs. Despite the pressure, the experienced batter never let it affect his game. He led the charge as Madhya Pradesh made 54 runs in the next 38 deliveries without losing a wicket, keeping them firmly in the hunt.
Patidar toyed with the Delhi bowling attack as he brought up his half-century in just 23 balls, smashing five sixes along the way. This blistering knock relieved any pressure on his team and helped Madhya Pradesh clinch the game by seven wickets with 26 balls to spare.
The right-hander shone once again in the final against Mumbai, scoring 81 runs from MP's total of 174. Although this 40-ball unbeaten knock came in a losing cause, it propelled him to second place in the batting charts with 428 runs, only behind Ajinkya Rahane.
Suryansh Shedge (36*) vs MP in Final
The grand finale of the SMAT was heading towards a tense finish when Suryansh Shedge joined Atharva Ankolekar at 129/5 in 14.4 overs, following the dismissal of Suryakumar Yadav. With Mumbai still needing 45 runs from the remaining 32 balls in their chase of 175, Madhya Pradesh would have harboured hopes of clinching the game if they could take one more wicket.
However, Suryansh, who had played a match-winning cameo of 12-ball 36 against Vidarbha in the quarterfinals and an 8-ball 30 to win one of their league games against Andhra Pradesh, played a defining role once again.
In a matter of three overs, Suryansh Shedge, along with Atharva Ankolekar, turned the final on its head as they demolished Madhya Pradesh, adding 50 runs through their explosive power-hitting. The all-rounder ended up scoring an unbeaten 36 from only 15 balls, helping Mumbai seal the victory with 13 deliveries to spare.
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