Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25: Saurashtra Shines with Record-Breaking Total; Tight Race for Knockouts in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Saurashtra's record 266/6 secured a commanding 78-run win over Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, tightening the Group B standings. Karnataka eliminated Tamil Nadu with a clinical chase, while Punjab kept knockout hopes alive with a narrow win against Hyderabad. Andhra extended their unbeaten streak, overcoming Services with stellar batting efforts.
Saurashtra posted an explosive 266/6, the second-highest total in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history, as they crushed Group B leaders Baroda by 78 runs. This commanding win propelled Saurashtra to second place in a tightly contested group, with Baroda, Saurashtra, and Gujarat separated only by net run rate.
The absence of Baroda’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was felt as Saurashtra’s batting lineup fired on all cylinders. Harvik Desai led the charge with a blistering 76 off 39 balls, supported by Tarang Goel (40 off 15) and Jay Gohil (53 off 18). Baroda’s chase stumbled early, reeling at 29/3 within the powerplay, eventually closing at 188/8.
In another Group B clash, Karnataka’s Vasuki Koushik dismantled Tamil Nadu with a fiery new-ball spell, reducing them to 7/4. Tamil Nadu folded for 90, and Karnataka, spearheaded by Manish Pandey’s 42, chased it down in just 11.3 overs, eliminating Tamil Nadu, a two-time champion, from the tournament.
Punjab edged Hyderabad by seven runs to keep their knockout hopes alive. Ramandeep Singh (39* off 11) and Naman Dhir (5/22) shone in Punjab’s thrilling win despite Chama Milind’s heroic 22-ball 55 for Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, Andhra extended their unbeaten run to four games, defeating Services by 23 runs. KS Bharat and Ricky Bhui powered Andhra to 222/8, with Bhui’s 84 off 35 being the highlight. However, tougher challenges await Andhra as they face Kerala and Mumbai in their remaining Group E matches.
Comments