The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 has reached its semifinal stage, and the first match is between Mumbai and Baroda. Both teams are packed with international superstars, making it an exciting contest. Here are three players to watch out for in the first semifinal:
Hardik Pandya (Baroda)
Hardik Pandya is one of India’s finest white-ball cricketers, and he has been in top form this season. With 241 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 199.17 and average of 60.25, he has been instrumental in helping Baroda chase down big targets. He has also picked up five wickets in four innings he has bowled, making him a key player for Baroda.
Ajinkya Rahane (Mumbai)
Ajinkya Rahane, 36, has been in exceptional form this season, scoring 334 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 167.84 and average of 55.67. His scores in the last two games are 84 and 95, and he has a tendency to step up in pressure games.
Atit Sheth (Baroda)
Atit Sheth is Baroda’s go-to bowler, and he has been bowling well both with the new ball and at the death. He has picked up 13 wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 10.35 and strike rate of 12. He was one of the stars of the show in the quarterfinal with a three-wicket haul.
Match Preview
Baroda’s Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya will face a star-studded Mumbai line-up, which boasts of pure batting match-winners in Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, captain Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav. The Baroda bowling line-up has been on song this tournament, with Atit Sheth and Lukman Meriwala leading the charge.
Second Semifinal: Delhi vs Madhya Pradesh
The second semifinal will see Delhi take on Madhya Pradesh, with both teams having equal strengths. Delhi’s top-order has found form, providing a solid platform for their finishers to apply the finishing touches. Madhya Pradesh’s Rajat Patidar is their batting mainstay, with three fifties at an average of 40.14.
Weather Update
Rain could interrupt proceedings during the semifinals, but it is unlikely to completely wash out the games. There could be a reduction in overs if rain persists.
