Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Saurashtra, Karnataka Shine; Punjab and Andhra Keep Knockout Hopes Alive

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy witnessed a thrilling round of matches as Saurashtra and Karnataka delivered dominant performances, while Punjab and Andhra kept their knockout aspirations alive with crucial wins.

Saurashtra posted a staggering 266 for 6, the second-highest score in the tournament’s history, to defeat Group B leaders Baroda by 78 runs. The win, their fourth in five matches, elevated Saurashtra to second place in the standings, with Baroda, Saurashtra, and Gujarat separated only by net run rate.

Harvik Desai set the tone with a blistering 76 off 39 balls, supported by opener Tarang Goel’s 40 off 15 and Jay Gohil’s explosive 53 off 18 at No. 6. Baroda, missing star player Hardik Pandya, struggled to contain the assault and faltered in their chase, reduced to 29 for 3 within the powerplay. Despite efforts to salvage their net run rate, they managed only 188 for 8.

Karnataka delivered a crushing blow to Tamil Nadu’s campaign, bowling them out for a paltry 90 in Indore. Vasuki Koushik’s fiery opening spell, claiming three wickets in two overs, left Tamil Nadu at 7 for 4 early on. Tamil Nadu, champions in 2020-21 and 2021-22, could not recover.

Manish Pandey anchored Karnataka’s chase with an unbeaten 42, guiding them to victory in just 11.3 overs. The win not only boosted Karnataka’s standing but also marked the end of Tamil Nadu’s tournament hopes.

Punjab edged out Hyderabad by seven runs to keep their knockout hopes alive. Riding on standout performances from Anmolpreet Singh (60) and Ramandeep Singh’s quickfire 39 not out off 11 balls, Punjab posted 196 for 6.

Hyderabad’s captain Tilak Varma struggled with a run-a-ball 9, but Chama Milind’s 22-ball 55, featuring a flurry of sixes, brought Hyderabad close. However, Naman Dhir, a highly rated prospect by Mumbai Indians, took a crucial five-wicket haul to bowl out Hyderabad for 189.

Andhra continued their impressive run with a 23-run victory over Services, solidifying their chances of making the knockouts. KS Bharat and Ricky Bhui were instrumental, with Bharat scoring 63 off 39 and Bhui smashing 84 off 35, including five sixes, to set a target of 222 for 8.

Also See: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Schedule, Upcoming Matches, Timing, Match Dates and Venues

Despite Services captain Mohit Ahlawat’s spirited 74 off 37 balls, Cheepurapalli Stephen’s 3 for 26 restricted them to 199. Andhra remains unbeaten, but upcoming clashes with Kerala and Mumbai will test their mettle.