Saurashtra and Karnataka emerged as dominant forces in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, securing impressive victories that have shifted the balance of power within their respective groups. Meanwhile, Punjab and Andhra kept their knockout hopes alive with crucial wins.
In a thrilling encounter, Saurashtra piled on a mammoth 266 for 6 against Group B leaders Baroda, the second-highest score in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy history. Harvik Desai spearheaded the charge with a blistering 76 off 39 balls, while Tarang Goel contributed a rapid 40 off just 15 deliveries and Jay Gohil unleashed an explosive 53 from 18 balls at No. 6. Baroda, missing the influential Hardik Pandya, struggled to contain Saurashtra's onslaught.
In pursuit of a challenging target, Baroda faltered early, reduced to 29 for 3 within the powerplay. Despite a late effort to salvage their net run rate, they finished at 188 for 8, maintaining their position at the top of the table. Saurashtra's victory propelled them to second place in the standings, with Baroda, Saurashtra, and Gujarat only separated by net run rate.
In another captivating match, Karnataka dismantled Tamil Nadu's batting lineup in Indore. Vasuki Koushik, utilizing the early morning conditions, ripped through Tamil Nadu's top order, claiming three wickets in his first two overs, leaving them reeling at 7 for 4. Karnataka ultimately bowled out Tamil Nadu for a meagre 90 runs.
Manish Pandey anchored Karnataka's chase with an unbeaten 42, leading his team to victory in just 11.3 overs. This win, effectively a knockout match, eliminated Tamil Nadu who had dominated the tournament in recent years with back-to-back titles in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Punjab kept their slim knockout hopes alive with a nail-biting seven-run win over Hyderabad. Powered by standout performances from Naman Dhir and Ramandeep Singh, Punjab posted 196 for 6, with contributions from Anmolpreet Singh (60) and a quickfire 39 not out from Ramandeep Singh off just 11 balls.
Hyderabad's chase was led by captain Tilak Varma, but he could only manage a run-a-ball 9. Despite a valiant effort from Chama Milind who hit a flurry of sixes in his 22-ball 55, Hyderabad fell short, bowled out for 189. Dhir, highly rated by Mumbai Indians, took his first five-wicket haul in T20s to secure the win for Punjab.
Andhra continued their unbeaten streak with a 23-run victory over Services, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the knockouts. KS Bharat and Ricky Bhui were instrumental in Andhra's total of 222 for 8, scoring 63 off 39 balls and 84 from 35 balls respectively. Services captain Mohit Ahlawat provided some resistance with 74 off 37 balls, but Cheepurapalli Stephen's 3 for 26 helped restrict them to 199, sealing the win for Andhra.
