December 3, 2024

Urvil Patel’s Century and Sixes Shine, But Shreyas’ Hat-Trick Isn’t Enough

Shivam Dube, Shardul Thakur, and Suryakumar Yadav shone brightly as Mumbai secured a decisive victory over Services. In an impressive display of power-hitting, Gujarat’s Urvil Patel continued his remarkable form, following up his record-setting 28-ball T20 century with an unbeaten 115 off just 41 balls in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash in Indore. This stellar innings led Gujarat to an eight-wicket win over Uttarakhand and propelled them to the top of Group C, boasting five wins from six matches with one game left in the league stage.

Urvil’s century on Tuesday came off only 36 balls, marking his second consecutive T20 hundred and further solidifying his reputation. Gujarat successfully chased down Uttarakhand’s total of 182 with 41 balls to spare. Patel’s innings featured eight boundaries and 11 towering sixes, surpassing Hardik Pandya to become the tournament’s leading six-hitter with 25 to his name.

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Saurashtra Dominates with Power-Packed Batting Performance

Saurashtra have moved up to match Gujarat’s tally of 20 points in Group C, staying hot on their heels. Following their strong performance of 266 for 6 against Baroda, Saurashtra secured a 59-run victory over Tamil Nadu, posting 235 for 5 on Tuesday. The win was powered by three solid half-centuries from Harvik Desai (55), Ruchit Ahir (56), and Sammar Gajjar (55 not out).

Ahir stood out with his second consecutive T20 half-century, achieved in just his third match. Desai continued his good form from the Baroda game, where he had scored an explosive 39-ball 76. Tamil Nadu, the back-to-back champions of 2020-21 and 2021-22, never looked likely to chase down the target, finishing 64 runs short. Chirag Jani and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja led the bowling attack, taking key wickets. This defeat marked Tamil Nadu’s fourth loss in six matches.

Dube Shines on Return; Shardul Finds Redemption

Mumbai boosted their knockout hopes with a solid 39-run victory over Services in Group C, powered by significant performances from Shivam Dube, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shardul Thakur. Dube, returning from a three-month layoff due to a back injury, made an immediate impact. His 37-ball 71 was the backbone of Mumbai’s total of 192 for 4, including a crucial 130-run stand for the fourth wicket with Suryakumar, who contributed a brisk 70 off 46 balls.

Prithvi Shaw, under pressure for off-field issues, endured a disappointing three-ball duck. However, redemption came for Thakur, who, like Shaw, was unsold in the most recent IPL auction. After an underwhelming outing the previous week where he set the record for the most expensive figures in the SMA Trophy, Thakur bounced back with a standout performance, taking 4 for 25 in his four overs to help Mumbai successfully defend their total.

Shreyas’ Hat-Trick Can’t Save Karnataka from Elimination

Shreyas Gopal’s remarkable hat-trick was not enough to secure victory for Karnataka in their crucial clash against Baroda. Gopal, who bowled exceptionally well to take 4 for 19, dismissed Bhanuka Punia, Hardik Pandya, and Krunal Pandya (both for first-ball ducks), triggering a dramatic collapse that saw Baroda slip from 102 for 1 to 102 for 4 in the 11th over while chasing Karnataka’s 169 for 8.

However, Baroda’s chase was steadied by Shashwat Rawat’s explosive innings at the top, where he scored 69 off just 37 balls, and Vishnu Solanki, who remained unbeaten on 28 off 21 balls, guiding his team to a four-wicket victory with seven balls to spare. This win took Baroda to five wins from six games, putting them level on points with Gujarat and Saurashtra. For Karnataka, the defeat meant they were eliminated from knockout contention.

Andhra Crush Kerala’s Knockout Aspirations

Kerala’s chances of advancing took a significant blow as they suffered a six-wicket defeat to Andhra, concluding their league stage on a disappointing note. With this victory, Andhra claimed the top spot in Group E with five wins from five matches, while Kerala ended with four wins from six. For Kerala to reach the knockouts, they now need Andhra to beat Mumbai in their final league match.

Andhra’s win was built on the back of their bowlers, who capitalized on the early morning conditions in Indore to bowl Kerala out for a mere 87. Fast bowler KV Sasikanth was the standout performer, taking 3 for 23. In response, Andhra’s chase was anchored by KS Bharat, who scored his second consecutive half-century, remaining unbeaten on 56 off just 33 balls to guide his team to victory.

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