Mumbai have clinched the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 title, securing victory over Madhya Pradesh by five wickets at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on December 15, 2024. This triumph marks Mumbai's second title win since they last lifted the trophy in the 2022-23 season.
Choosing to bowl first, Mumbai restricted Madhya Pradesh to 174 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Rajat Patidar, the captain of Madhya Pradesh, emerged as the standout performer with the bat, scoring 81 runs off just 40 balls. His explosive innings included six fours and six sixes, allowing Madhya Pradesh to post a competitive total.
Mumbai's chase began on shaky ground when Prithvi Shaw fell for just 10 runs, caught out off the bowling of Tripuresh Singh. The early dismissal raised concerns among fans, especially as Shreyas Iyer, Mumbai’s captain, was dismissed soon after for 16 runs. Following these setbacks, the team found itself at 50 for 2 by the end of the powerplay.
Ajinkya Rahane and Suryakumar Yadav then steadied the innings, forging a 52-run partnership. Rahane contributed 37 runs off 30 balls before falling to Venkatesh Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav made 48 runs off 35 balls, maintaining Mumbai's momentum.
Despite the wickets of prominent players, Mumbai’s youngsters stepped up to the challenge. Suryansh Shedge, only 21, proved to be the game-changer. Coming to the crease when the team needed 46 runs from 32 balls, Shedge launched a stunning counterattack. He scored 36 runs off just 15 balls, blitzing three sixes and three fours, including the winning blow, which sent the crowd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium roaring.
Shedge’s partnership with Atharva Ankolekar was pivotal, as the duo scored 51 runs off just 19 balls. Ankolekar finished with 16 runs off six balls, providing the perfect support for Shedge during the finishing stages of the innings.
If there was any doubt about Mumbai’s skill, it was put to rest as they chased down the target with 13 balls to spare, reaching 180 for 5 in just 17.5 overs. They showcased not only agility and prowess but also mental resilience throughout their innings.
The triumph reinforces Mumbai's stronghold on domestic T20 cricket, adding to their impressive record. Since their first title win during the 2022-23 season, they have continued to demonstrate their batting depth and strategic gameplay, making them one of the most formidable teams in the league.
Mumbai's bowlers were also commendable, with Shardul Thakur and Royston Dias taking two wickets each, significantly hindering Madhya Pradesh’s innings. Thakur’s early strikes helped set the tone for the match, contributing to his team's success.
This final was not just another victory for Mumbai; it was also about young talent shining on the big stage. Shedge, who had recently been acquired by Punjab Kings for the IPL, made headlines once again. His consistency throughout the tournament and his final innings proved he is on the verge of becoming one of Mumbai's future stars.
"Winning this title means everything to me and the team," Shedge stated after being named Player of the Match. "I’ve been working hard for this moment and was prepared to play the finisher role. I’m grateful to my teammates for their support. Together, we treated every match like it was the final, and it certainly paid off today."
With this win, Mumbai joins the ranks of other prestigious teams, having won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy multiple times. Their triumph cements their status as one of India’s most formidable cricketing powerhouses, eager for future challenges and successes.
