SMAT: Madhya Pradesh and Baroda secure semi-final spots

Madhya Pradesh and Baroda advanced to the semi-finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after impressive victories in their respective quarter-final matches.

Madhya Pradesh achieved a historic milestone by entering the semi-finals for the first time since the 2010-11 season, defeating Saurashtra by six wickets in a thrilling chase. Saurashtra had set a target of 174, thanks to Chirag Jani’s explosive unbeaten 80 off 45 balls, which included eight fours and four sixes. Despite Jani’s late onslaught, where he scored 45 runs in the final three overs, Saurashtra’s total proved insufficient.

Madhya Pradesh’s chase was anchored by Venkatesh Iyer, who delivered an all-round performance. Iyer, named “Player of the Match,” remained unbeaten on 38 off 33 balls and earlier took 2/23 in his three-over spell. Harpreet Singh provided a quick finish with a fiery 22 not out off nine balls. Contributions from Arpit Gaud (42 off 29), Subhranshu Senapati (24 off 16), and captain Rajat Patidar (28 off 18) ensured Madhya Pradesh maintained control throughout the chase, sealing victory with four balls to spare.

In the other quarter-final, Baroda clinched a 41-run win over Bengal to secure their semi-final spot. Batting first, Baroda posted a competitive 172/7, with their openers putting up a solid 90-run stand. Abhimanyusingh Rajput scored 37, while his partner contributed 40 runs. Bengal’s bowlers, led by Pradipta Pramanik (2/30) and Kanishk Seth (2/31), kept the middle-order in check, but Baroda’s total remained challenging.

Chasing 173, Bengal’s innings faltered early, losing wickets at regular intervals. Lukman Meriwala’s exceptional spell of 3/17 dismantled Bengal’s top order, while Ritwik Roy Chowdhury (29 off 18) and Shahbaz Ahmed (54-run partnership) provided brief resistance. Hardik Pandya (3/28) and Atit Sheth further restricted Bengal, bowling them out for 131 in 17.5 overs. Meriwala’s brilliant performance earned him the “Player of the Match” award.