Ajinkya Rahane Heartbroken After Falling for 98 in SMAT Semis
Ajinkya Rahane, one of India’s best batters, scored 98 off 56 balls in the SMAT semifinal between Mumbai and Baroda. It was breathtaking. However, heartbreak struck as the veteran batter fell in the nineties, just short of a century.
Opening for Mumbai, Rahane set the tone. He hit 11 fours and 5 sixes. His innings, a mix of timing and aggression, nearly won Mumbai. However, as the side needed just one run to win in the 17th over, Rahane attempted a lofted shot to bring up his ton in style. The attempt backfired. Baroda wicketkeeper Vishnu Solanki caught a simple catch off Abhimanyusingh Rajput’s delivery. Rahane was left stranded two runs short of a century.
Despite the dismissal, Rahane’s knock was a tournament highlight. It showed his class and determination.
Mumbai Thrash Baroda to Secure SMAT Final Spot
Rahane’s dismissal did not halt Mumbai’s dominance. They won by six wickets to reach the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 final.
Batting first, Baroda scored 158 runs. Krunal Pandya, Shivalik Sharma, and Atit Sheth contributed. Mumbai’s run chase, led by Rahane’s explosive innings, made the target too low.
After losing opener Prithvi Shaw cheaply, Mumbai bounced back. They completed the chase in under 18 overs with a blistering performance.
Rahane’s Heroics Steal the Show Despite Heartbreak
While the match was a team effort, Rahane’s performance was the centerpiece of Mumbai’s victory. His 98 off 56 balls was a masterclass in batting under pressure. It helped Mumbai maintain their dominance in the chase.
With Mumbai in the final, all eyes are on Rahane. He must deliver a stellar performance to redeem a missed milestone.
