Rajat Patidar special guides Madhya Pradesh to SMAT final after 13 years |

NEW DELHI: Rajat Patidar struck a dazzling 29-ball 66 not out as Madhya Pradesh secured a spot in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 final after 13 years, defeating former champions Delhi by seven wickets in the semifinal at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday.
Patidar’s explosive unbeaten half-century, coupled with an exceptional bowling performance spearheaded by all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, propelled Madhya Pradesh into the title clash against Mumbai.
Choosing to bowl first, Madhya Pradesh’s bowlers vindicated their skipper’s decision with a clinical effort that stifled Delhi’s batting lineup.
Despite a steady opening partnership between Yash Dhull (11) and Priyansh Arya (29), who added 38 runs in 33 balls, Delhi struggled to maintain momentum. Tripuresh Singh broke the stand by dismissing Dhull, and Kumar Kartikeya soon sent Arya back, leaving Delhi at 54 for 2 in the ninth over.
The match turned in Madhya Pradesh’s favor when Venkatesh Iyer struck twice in the 11th over, removing skipper Ayush Badoni (19) and Himmat Singh (15). Iyer’s crucial spell of 2 for 12 dented Delhi’s innings, reducing them to 79 for 5.
Late contributions from Anuj Rawat (33 not out off 24) and Mayank Rawat (24 off 21) took Delhi to a fighting 146 for 5.
Madhya Pradesh’s chase began on a shaky note as veteran pacer Ishant Sharma dismissed opener Arpit Gaud for a first-ball duck. Ishant struck again to send Subhranshu Senapati (7) back, leaving Madhya Pradesh reeling at 20/2 in the third over.
However, Harsh Gawli counter-attacked with an aggressive 30 off 18 balls, including four boundaries and a six, to steady the chase. Though Gawli fell to Himanshu Chauhan in the seventh over.
From there, Rajat Patidar took control. Showcasing his remarkable batting prowess, Patidar unleashed a masterclass of power-hitting, smashing six sixes and four fours. Harpreet Singh Bhatia provided steady support with an unbeaten 46 off 34 balls. Together, the duo forged a match-winning 106-run partnership off just 57 balls, extinguishing any hopes of a Delhi comeback.
Madhya Pradesh will now face Mumbai in the finale on Sunday at the same venue, with both teams vying for the prestigious title.
Brief scores:
Delhi 146 for 6 in 20 overs (Anuj Rawat 33, Priyansh Arya 29; Venkatesh Iyer 2-12, Tripuresh Singh 1-18) lose to Madhya Pradesh 152 for 3 in 15.4 overs (Rajat Patidar 66 not out, Harpreet Singh 46 not out; Ishant Sharma 2-12, Himanshu Chauhan 1-37) by seven wickets.