Rajkot: Venkatesh Iyer and Rajat Patidar delivered standout performances as Madhya Pradesh secured a commanding 101-run victory over Meghalaya in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Group A clash on Monday. Meanwhile, the Pandya brothers powered Baroda to a second consecutive win, and Haryana registered an emphatic triumph in their Group C encounter.
Iyer’s All-Round Brilliance and Patidar’s Heroics
Fresh off a ₹23.75 crore IPL auction deal with Kolkata Knight Riders, Venkatesh Iyer showcased his all-round capabilities. The talented all-rounder smashed a quickfire 37 off 17 balls, complementing Rajat Patidar’s sublime 78, to guide Madhya Pradesh to an imposing 222/5 in 20 overs.
With the ball, Iyer contributed by picking up a key wicket, while Mohammed Arshad Khan led the attack as Meghalaya were bowled out for 121 in 19.4 overs. The comprehensive win bolstered Madhya Pradesh’s campaign in the tournament.
Harshal Patel and Chahal Shine for Haryana
In Mumbai, Haryana displayed a dominant performance against Arunachal Pradesh in a Group C game. Nishant Sindhu blasted a scintillating century, and Himanshu Rana chipped in with a brisk 91, propelling Haryana to a massive 255/2 in 20 overs.
Defending the target, pacer Harshal Patel and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal dismantled the Arunachal batting lineup, bowling them out for just 80 runs. Harshal, now part of Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹8 crore, and Chahal, who joined Punjab Kings for ₹18 crore, showcased their IPL-worthy form in a resounding 175-run victory for Haryana.
Pandya Brothers Star in Baroda’s Chase
At Indore, Baroda overcame Uttarakhand in a thrilling Group B match, chasing down a 166-run target with ease. Captain Krunal Pandya, recently signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹5.75 crore, played a pivotal role alongside his brother Hardik Pandya.
Earlier, Hardik made an impact with the ball, helping restrict Uttarakhand to 165/7. In response, Baroda reached 168/5 in 18.4 overs, securing a five-wicket victory and their second successive win in the tournament.
Brief Scores
Group A (Rajkot): Madhya Pradesh: 222/5 (20 overs) defeated Meghalaya: 121 all out (19.4 overs) by 101 runs.
Group C (Mumbai): Haryana: 255/2 (20 overs) defeated Arunachal Pradesh: 80 all out (17 overs) by 175 runs.
Group B (Indore): Uttarakhand: 165/7 (20 overs) lost to Baroda: 168/5 (18.4 overs) by 5 wickets.
