Rajasthan enter final of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

In a low-scoring thriller, Punjab defeated Team Rajasthan by five runs at Eden Gardens on Thursday. But, there was a silver lining for Aniket Choudhary and the boys as even in defeat they ended up making it to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on the basis of better net run rate.

After restricting Punjab at a modest total of 129, Rajasthan botched up the chase and lost wickets in quick succession. Opener Ankit Lamba (47 off 37) stayed put but ran out of partners. The collapse was appalling and just when the threat of not just losing the game, but also failing to make it to the finals loomed large, injured Deepak took to the crease and saved the team from blushes. The scorecard was reeling at 88 for 6 and another 15 runs were needed to make it to the finals, but limping Deepak punched 15* runs thus playing his role of an all-rounder to perfection. While bowling his second over, Deepak pulled up with a hamstring problem in his left leg and had to leave the field.  

Earlier in the day, after winning the toss, Aniket chose to field first and the team’s bowling lived up to its reputation as they skittled mighty Punjab. It was a tempting potpourri- pace sensation Khaleel Ahmed (3 for 10) impressed with his variation both in pace and in length, Deepak Chahar (2 for 9) dazzled with his consistency and Rahul Chahar (2 for 11) influenced with his wrist spin. Punjab was off to a flier start, but Deepak took the wind out of Punjab’s sail and struck in two consecutive overs dismissing the openers- Manan Vohra (20 off 12) and Mandeep Singh (1 off 2). Punjab failed to recover from that jolt and apart from the captain Harbhajan Singh (32 off 31) no other batsman showed appetite to take on the potent Rajasthan bowling attack and thus they ended the innings at 129.

Entering into the final, the major concern for the team will be medium pacer Deepak Chahar’s injury. He has made valuable contributions time and again both with the ball and bat and if he misses out the game against Delhi on Friday, it might hurt Rajasthan’s prospects of lifting the trophy. Also, captain Aniket Choudhary’s form and opener Aditya Garhwal’s batting will be a matter of concern.

KHALEEL DISHING OUT PIPPING HOT PACE

Rajasthan’s left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed is unleashing tremendous pace in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He has bowled consistently at 145 kmph and above. In the match against Punjab, he bowled the fastest delivery of the tournament that clocked 148 kmph, sending Gurkeerat Mann back to the pavilion. Moreover, he bowled with finesse and to trouble the batsmen kept changing his pace and length. For Rajasthan, he is proving to be a vital weapon and more so in the death overs.

CAPTAIN SPEAKS (Aniket Choudhary)

The team is thrilled to make it to the finals. This is special as Rajasthan have made it to the final for the first time in the tournament. There are a lot of positives that we will be focusing upon while playing Delhi in the final. As far is my and Aditya’s performance is concerned, I believe we will come out good tomorrow as we are mature enough to read our faults and rectify them. We believe in each other and take pride in each other’s performance and as team we have been exceptional. As far as Deepak Chahar’s fitness is concerned, decision will be taken before the match.