A debatable incident unfolded during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final. Venkatesh Iyer‘s dismissal sparked controversy after a catch by Ajinkya Rahane.
Iyer, appearing comfortable at the crease, had scored 17 runs off just 9 deliveries. His brief innings included a six and a four. He attempted a cut shot towards backward point off a short, wide delivery.
Rahane took the catch, but seemed unsure if the ball had bounced before reaching his hands. The on-field umpires consulted the third umpire to review the catch.
The replays proved inconclusive. However, the TV umpire ultimately ruled in favor of the fielding side. The decision indicated that Rahane’s fingers were under the ball. Iyer expressed visible disappointment with the decision.
Watch: Venkatesh Iyer’s dismissal steals spotlight after stunning strike rate in SMAT final
Madhya Pradesh posted a total of 174 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their innings against Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final.
Madhya Pradesh’s innings began with a shaky start. Both openers failed to make a significant contribution.
Captain Rajat Patidar then spearheaded the Madhya Pradesh innings. He smashed six sixes and six fours, batting at a strike rate exceeding 200.
Royston Dias and Shardul Thakur each claimed two wickets for Mumbai. However, both bowlers conceded runs at an economy rate of over ten runs per over.
Arthava Ankolekar’s economical spell of four overs, conceding only 4.75 runs per over, helped restrain Madhya Pradesh’s scoring.
Shivam Dube also contributed with the ball, taking one wicket. He maintained an economy rate of 6.75 runs per over in his four-over spell.