SMAT 2024: Shreyas Iyer-led Mumbai script history, beat Pakistan team to create new world record

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Mumbai for the second consecutive match, pulled off a remarkable chase to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). Led by Shreyas Iyer, the team defeated Vidarbha by six wickets in the quarter-final at the KSCA Stadium in Alur on December 11.

This record-breaking performance saw Mumbai script history in T20 cricket by achieving the highest-ever successful chase in a Men's T20 knockout game.

They became the first domestic team to chase a target of 220 or more, surpassing Karachi Dolphins' 210-run chase against Rawalpindi Rams in the 2010 Faysal Bank T20 Cup semi-final.

Chasing Vidarbha's challenging 221/6, Ajinkya Rahane led Mumbai's reply with a stunning 84 off 45 balls, hitting 10 fours and three sixes. The team reached the target in 19.2 overs, finishing at 224/4 to set up a semi-final clash with Baroda.

Prithvi Shaw gave Mumbai a flying start with an explosive 49 off 26 balls, smashing five fours and four sixes to help the team race to 83 within seven overs. His dismissal to left-arm pacer Dipesh Parwani triggered a brief slump, with Shreyas Iyer (5) and Suryakumar Yadav (9) departing in quick succession, leaving Mumbai at 118/3 in 11.1 overs.

Rahane's sublime innings ended at 157/4 in 15.1 overs, leaving Mumbai needing 64 off the final five overs. Shivam Dube (37* off 22) and Suyansh Shedge (36 off 12) stepped up, adding 67 runs in just over four overs. Shedge's 22-run blitz off Mandar Mahale in the 17th over, including three consecutive sixes, sealed the game.

Earlier, Vidarbha's Atharva Taide (66), Apoorva Wankhade (51), and Shubham Dubey (43) powered their team to a formidable total, but Mumbai's batters outshone them in a thrilling encounter.

Now Mumbai will go head-to-head against Hardik Pandya's Baroda in the 1st semi-final of SMAT 2024 on Saturday, 13th December in Bengaluru.