WATCH: Atharva Ankolekar takes crazy catch to dismiss Abhimanyu Singh in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
In the semi-final meeting of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, Bombay emerged victorious Baroda for 6 doors. The exciting contest was highlighted by an amazing fielding display from Mumbai Atharva Ankolekarwho took a stunning catch to dismiss Baroda’s opener Abhimanyu Singh.
Atharva Ankolekar’s outstanding catch
The wicket came in the third over of Baroda’s innings, when the Mumbai bowler Mohit Avasthi bowled a short delivery to Abhimanyu, he attempted a shot across the line, only for the ball to deflect in the air. It looked like it would fall safely past mid-wicket, but Ankolekar, stationed at mid-wicket, had other plans.
The 24-year-old sprinted after the ball and, in an impressive display of athleticism, timed his dive perfectly. He managed to get both hands under the ball, but it slipped slightly from his fingers. However, Ankolekar’s quick reflexes allowed him to recover, pouncing on the ball at a second attempt inches from the ground. The crowd erupted as Mumbai made an early breakthrough, dismissing Abhimanyu Singh for 9 runs off 10 balls.
Here is the video:
WH 𝐴. 𝐊𝐩𝐥𝐧!
It was an absolute blast from Atharva Ankolekar 👌👌
LIVE ▶️ https://t.co/b9vrOYcADy#SMAT | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/sU1RMgOGoq
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 13, 2024
Ankolekar was not just a hero on the field; also contributed with the ball. The left-arm spinner claimed a crucial wicket, dismissing Baroda’s Bhanu Pania. Ankolekar’s all-round performance proved to be a key factor in Mumbai’s dominance throughout the match.
Also WATCH: Lukman Meriwala picks three wickets in one in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
Baroda sets itself a modest target
Asked to bat first, Baroda posted a total of 158/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite some resistance, his innings never gained momentum. Shivalik Sharma he was Baroda’s standout player, scoring 36 not out off 24 balls, which included 2 fours and 2 sixes. However, Mumbai’s bowlers maintained tight control, with every bowler picking up at least one wicket.
Suryansh Shedge he was particularly impressive, taking 2 wickets in his 2-over spell. Mumbai’s disciplined bowling performance ensured that Baroda’s total remained in check, leaving Mumbai with a chaseable target of 159.
Mumbai’s chase 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 opening wicket, Ajinkya Rahanewho made a knock of 98 runs off 56 balls. Rahane’s innings included 11 fours and 5 sixes, and he displayed an exceptional strike rate of 175.00, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century.
While Rahane’s fireworks stole the limelight, the Mumbai captain, Shreyas Iyer, he played a vital support role, scoring 46 runs off 30 balls. Iyer’s composed innings ensured that Mumbai stayed on track, and their victory was secured with over 2 overs to spare.
Rahane was rightly named the Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution with the bat. Mumbai’s all-round performance earned them a place in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, becoming the first team to reach the final of the tournament.
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