BRD VS MUM 1ST SEMI FINAL

And that wraps up our coverage of the first semifinal of this year's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy! Mumbai has secured its spot in the final and now awaits the winner of the second semifinal - an eagerly anticipated clash between Delhi and Madhya Pradesh. Don't go anywhere, as this crucial encounter kicks off just a few minutes from now, at 4:30 PM IST. While we conclude our coverage here, make sure to join us for the second semifinal that promises to be just as riveting! Until then, goodbye from this match center.

Shreyas Iyer, the captain of Mumbai says that you gain a lot of confidence from the way the top order goes and bats upfront. Says that they have discussed in the team meetings that they need to go all guns blazing because they have got a good batting depth. States that you need to be decisive in this format and it is important to stay in the present. Adds that bowling inside the powerplay has been decent from their end and feels that they could have restricted them between 140-150 but conceded 10 runs extra in the end. Ends by expressing his delight and says they are happy to qualify for another final.

Ajinkya Rahane is adjudged as the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his blistering knock of 98 runs. He expresses his satisfaction with his current form, emphasizing his focus on contributing to the team rather than individual outcomes. He highlights the importance of attacking during the first six overs in the evolving T20 format, aiming to provide a strong start and maintain momentum until the 15th or 16th over. Rahane also acknowledges the team’s camaraderie, built through practice sessions, and credits the experienced players for sharing their knowledge. He underscores their role in encouraging youngsters to play with freedom and confidence, fostering a positive team environment.

The captain of Baroda, Krunal Pandya expresses satisfaction with his team's overall performance throughout the season, noting their resilience in overcoming challenging situations. He acknowledges that despite being in a strong position, losing back-to-back wickets made things tough, but the team fought well to post a competitive total of 160.

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

Earlier in the game, after being put into bat, Baroda faced early challenges as overcast conditions made stroke-making difficult, resulting in the loss of an early wicket during the powerplay. The innings found its footing through a crucial 50-run partnership between Shashwat Rawat and Krunal Pandya, who had promoted himself up the order. However, their momentum was short-lived as Pandya's dismissal triggered a collapse. Baroda lost three quick wickets, slipping from a comfortable 73/1 to a precarious 80/4. The fall of both set batters, including Shashwat Rawat, put Baroda in a tight spot. While hopes were pinned on Hardik Pandya to provide a late surge, his stay was very brief. But it was the stand between Shivalik Sharma and Atit Sheth that propelled Baroda to get past 150. Mumbai's bowling attack maintained discipline throughout the innings but conceded 55 runs in the last overs. For them, Suryansh Shedge was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while everyone else chipped in with a wicket each.

The arrival of Shreyas at the crease further accelerated Mumbai's dominance, as he immediately took the attack to the Baroda bowlers. The alliance between Rahane and Shreyas proved devastating. Shreyas expertly manipulated the crease depth while Rahane showcased his authority with front-foot mastery. Their partnership maintained a blistering run rate of over 10 per over, rapidly steering Mumbai toward their target. It was just a matter of time before Ajinkya Rahane took the matter into his hands. His magnificent innings of 98 came off just 56 deliveries, falling agonizingly short of what would have been a well-deserved century, but overall, he did enough to propel Mumbai to the win.

Mumbai's chase began on a blistering note, with Ajinkya Rahane leading the charge through elegant strokeplay. He kept toying around the field masterfully. While Prithvi Shaw departed early, Rahane remained unfazed, capitalizing on every scoring opportunity presented to him. Baroda's bowling attack struggled to find their rhythm, frequently straying in line and offering width that Rahane expertly exploited. Although Hardik Pandya managed to break through with Shaw's wicket, it did little to stem the flow of runs as Mumbai's scoring rate continued to soar.

MUMBAI STORM INTO THE FINALE! A clinical batting performance and a dominating win over Baroda with 16 balls to spare and 6 wickets in hand! And with that, Baroda's journey in this year's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy ends here.

SIX! BANG! A fuller delivery on the fuller side on the stumps, right in the slot. Suryansh Shedge gets underneath this one and slogs it hard over the deep mid-wicket boundary for a huge six to win the game for his side. With this, Mumbai wins the semifinal and moves ahead to the finals.

Suryansh Shedge is in with scores level.

OUT! CAUGHT! Can you believe it? Suryakumar Yadav walks behind Ajinkya Rahane without finishing the game! Shashwat Rawat comes over the wicket and bowls fuller on the stumps. Suryakumar plants his front leg and looks to lift it over mid on but fails to get the required timing on it. He ends up chipping it straight to Akash Singh who takes a simple catch inside the circle. Suryakumar Yadav walks back and Mumbai still on 158/4 with one run needed.

OUT! CAUGHT! Can you believe it? Suryakumar Yadav walks behind Ajinkya Rahane without finishing the game! Shashwat Rawat comes over the wicket and bowls fuller on the stumps. Suryakumar plants his front leg and looks to lift it over mid on but fails to get the required timing on it. He ends up chipping it straight to Akash Singh who takes a simple catch inside the circle. Suryakumar Yadav walks back and Mumbai still on 158/4 with one run needed.

Drops the length back at the batter. Shivam Dube stays back and blocks it off towards covers to end the over.

Shivam Dube is in at number 5.

OUT! CAUGHT! Ajinkya Rahane walks back on 98! With the scores level, Ajinkya Rahane does not get the HUNDRED! Rajput bowls it full on leg. Rahane shuffles across the stumps and looks to whip it into the leg side but closes his bat face a touch early. He ends up getting a top edge. Vishnu Solanki behind the stumps moves to his right and completes a simple catch. Mumbai is 158/3 with one run required to win.

OUT! CAUGHT! Ajinkya Rahane walks back on 98! With the scores level, Ajinkya Rahane does not get the HUNDRED! Rajput bowls it full on leg. Rahane shuffles across the stumps and looks to whip it into the leg side but closes his bat face a touch early. He ends up getting a top edge. Vishnu Solanki behind the stumps moves to his right and completes a simple catch. Mumbai is 158/3 with one run required to win.

WIDE! Slower delivery wayward outside off. Wide called by the umpire. Scores are level!