MUMBAI: A substantial crowd gathered at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday for the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, eager to witness the prominent players from Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh. Mumbai featured notable figures such as India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, IPL-winning leader Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shivam Dube, while Madhya Pradesh showcased local favourite Rajat Patidar from Royal Challengers Bangalore and KKR stalwart Venkatesh Iyer.

Although the star athletes delivered commendable performances, it was Mumbai’s emerging talents, Suryansh Shedge and Atharva Ankolekar, who captured the spotlight with their impressive displays, leading their team to victory.

In pursuit of a target of 175 runs, Mumbai found themselves in a challenging position when the established Suryakumar Yadav (48 runs off 35 balls) was dismissed at a total of 129 in the 15th over. Shedge, aged 21, entered the fray and unleashed an unbeaten 36 runs off 15 balls (Strike Rate 240 - 3 fours, 3 sixes), while the left-handed Ankolekar, 24, contributed a quick-fire 16 not out off 6 balls (Strike Rate 266.66 - 2 sixes), enabling Mumbai to complete the chase with ease.

The duo added 51 runs in just 19 balls, allowing Mumbai to retain their title, having previously won it in the 2022-23 season. Madhya Pradesh fought valiantly throughout the match, and the game tightened when they dismissed Suryakumar, only for the young pair to thwart their aspirations.

Both players also made significant contributions to the ball. Shedge was awarded Player of the Match for his all-round performance, having taken 1 wicket for 32 runs in three overs. Ankolekar, as Mumbai’s leading bowler, set the tone early with two outstanding overs during the powerplay (2 overs, 7 runs, 1 wicket), concluding with figures of 4 overs, 19 runs, and 1 wicket.

“Atharva bowled exceptionally well in his first over, conceding only five runs. Both Atharva and Shedge displayed a fearless attitude, executing their plans phenomenally from the very first ball – it was inspiring to see young players stepping up for the team,” remarked Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer.

While the crowd acknowledged Shedge

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