The batting performances of Baroda, Delhi, Mumbai, and Madhya Pradesh (MP) in the quarterfinals played in Alur and Bengaluru on December 11 helped them progress into the semi-finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024. 

The winners of the first and second semi-final matches will compete against each other in the finals on December 15 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Madhya Pradesh was the first team to qualify for the SMAT 2024 semi-finals after a 6-wicket win against Saurashtra in Quarter Final 3 at KSCA Cricket Ground, Alur.

Delhi recently gained entry into the knockouts by triumphing over Uttar Pradesh by 19 runs in Quarter Final 2.

Baroda entered the Quarter Final 1 as the Group B table toppers with 24 points and +2.353 Net Run Rate (NRR). But, it would be a real challenge for the two-time champions in the first semi-final on December 13 to tackle Mumbai’s explosive batting lineup that recently chased a mammoth target of 222 against Vidarbha in the Quarter Final 4.

Let’s find out the schedule and venue of the SMAT 2024 semi-finals and the notable performances that helped these four teams move into the next stages of the tournament.

SMAT 2024 Semi-finals Schedule and Venue

The first and second semi-final matches of the SMAT 2024 are scheduled to take place on December 13 (Friday) and the details are tabulated below:

Baroda’s 41-run Victory vs Bengal: SMAT 2024 Quarter Final 1 (in Bengaluru)

Chasing a target of 173 runs, Shahbaz Ahmed tried his level best scoring a 36-ball-55 run knock (including 3 fours and 4 sixes). However, Bengal experienced an unsuccessful run chase being restricted to 131 all-out in 18 overs, as the stage was perfectly set for Baroda’s 41-run victory riding on the 3-wicket hauls of these three pacers:

Delhi’s 19-run victory vs Uttar Pradesh: SMAT 2024 Quarter Final 2 in Bengaluru

Anuj Rawat’s unbeaten half-century along with the supportive knocks of the opening batters Priyansh Arya and Yash Dhull helped Delhi post a competitive total of 193-3 in 20 overs:

In addition, Prince Yadav’s 3-36, Suyash Sharma (2-36 in 4 overs), Ayush Badoni (2-37 in 4 overs) along with Ishant Sharma, Simarjeet Singh and Harsh Tyagi grabbing each wicket made the chase tricky for Uttar Pradesh batters.

At one stage, UP had a chance to chase down a target of 194, in the presence of Priyam Garg’s 54 runs out of 34 balls (including 6 fours and 3 sixes) and Sameer Rizvi’s 26 runs out of 16 balls (including 5 fours). Even Bhuvenshwar Kumar’s 13-ball-20 runs (including 2 fours and 1 six) in the end couldn’t save his team face a bitter defeat.

Madhya Pradesh’s 6-wicket Victory vs Saurashtra: SMAT 2024 Quarter Final 3 in Alur

Chirag Jani’s 45-ball-80 runs (including 8 fours and 4 sixes) propelled Suarashtra’s score to 173-7 in 20 overs. However, his innings were overshadowed by the Madhya Pradesh batters that helped their team conveniently chase down the target of 174 with six wickets and four balls remaining due to these valuable contributions including Venkatesh Iyer’s steady performance:

Mumbai’s 6-wicket Victory vs Vidarbha: SMAT 2024 Quarter Final 4 in Alur

Ajinkya Rahane’s decision to bowl first turned out to be favorable for Mumbai in a high-scoring clash.

Batting first, Vidarbha posted a massive total of 221-6 in 20 overs, provided by Atharva Taide’s fierce start of 66 runs from 41 balls that included 10 fours and 1 six. Furthermore, Apoorv Wankhade’s 33-ball-51 runs (including 2 fours and 3 sixes) and Shubham Dubey’s 19-ball-43 runs (including 3 fours and 3 sixes) accelerated the team’s innings.

Finally, Mumbai’s 6-wicket win in a thrilling run chase guided them to secure their spot in the semi-finals by scoring 224-4 in 19.2 overs. It includes Rahane’s second consecutive fifty along with the quickfire knocks of Prithvi Shaw, Shivam Dube, and Suryansh Shedge: