Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Rahane powers Mumbai into the final

Rahane powers Mumbai into the final

Ajinkya Rahane (98, 56b, 11x4, 5x6) tore into the Baroda attack to give Mumbai a six-wicket win in their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy semifinal at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Friday.

Rahane put on a brilliant attacking display, using classical shots to maximum effect. The 36-year-old made light of the 159-run target set by Baroda, helping his side reach the finish line in 17.2 overs.

Mumbai will take on Madhya Pradesh in the final here on Sunday.

Rahane’s intent was clear early, as the opener hit left-arm pacer Lukman Meriwala for two fours and a six in the first three deliveries he faced.

Rahane flourished in the company of captain Shreyas Iyer (46, 30b, 4x4, 3x6), who proved to be an able foil. The duo put on 88 runs for the second wicket, which took Baroda out of the contest.

Batting first, Baroda could only manage a modest score.  Krunal Pandya made a handy 30, but the side’s star player Hardik Pandya fell cheaply for five. Shivalik Sharma (36 n.o., 24b, 2x4, 2x6) and Atit Sheth (22, 14b, 2x4, 1x6) came good at the death.

In the second semifinal, Madhya Pradesh rode on fine knocks from Rajat Patidar (66 n.o., 29b, 4x4, 6x6) and Harpreet Singh (46 n.o., 38b, 4x4, 2x6) to knock Delhi out.