Anuj Rawat’s powerful batting performance led Delhi to a 19-run victory over Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy quarter-final, securing their spot in the semi-finals. Delhi will now face Madhya Pradesh on December 13.

Held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the match saw Uttar Pradesh choose to bowl first after winning the toss. Delhi’s openers, Priyansh Arya and Yash Dhull, provided a solid start with an 81-run partnership, setting the stage for Rawat’s explosive innings. Captain Ayush Badoni also contributed with a quick 25 runs off 18 balls.

ALSO READ

After a cautious start, Rawat unleashed a barrage of boundaries. He began his onslaught with two consecutive cut shots for four off Mohsin Khan. In the 16th over, he targeted Shivam Mavi, hitting two fours and two sixes in quick succession, taking 23 runs from the over. He continued his dominance against veteran bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the penultimate over, hitting three more boundaries. Rawat finished the innings with a final boundary, taking Delhi’s total to 193/3. He remained unbeaten with 73 runs off just 33 balls, including seven fours and five sixes.

Uttar Pradesh’s chase was led by Priyam Garg, who scored 54 runs. However, he received little support from his teammates. Delhi’s captain, Badoni, effectively rotated his bowlers, preventing any significant partnerships from forming. Uttar Pradesh ultimately fell short, scoring 174 runs and losing by 19 runs, ending their run in the tournament. Rawat’s explosive batting display proved to be the deciding factor, sending Delhi to the semi-finals.