Ajinkya Rahane, the seasoned Indian cricketer, lit up the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024/25 with an awe-inspiring knock of 98 runs off 56 balls. His stellar performance not only guided Mumbai to a dominating win over Baroda but also cemented their spot in the SMAT final. Rahane’s remarkable innings, which included 11 fours and 5 sixes, came with a perfect blend of precision, timing, and intent, proving why he remains a key player in India’s domestic cricket scene.
Rahane’s Form: The Focus Keyword for SMAT 2024/25
Rahane’s consistency in the ongoing SMAT has been phenomenal. With 432 runs in just seven innings, he currently leads the tournament’s run-scoring charts. His average of 61.71 and an impressive strike rate of 169.41 underscore his dominance in the shorter format. This knock marked his third consecutive half-century, following his innings of 95 against Andhra and 84 versus Vidarbha, setting the tournament ablaze and positioning him as the highest run-getter of SMAT 2024/25.
Mumbai vs Baroda: Rahane Leads from the Front
Facing a 159-run target, Mumbai faced an early setback when opener Prithvi Shaw fell cheaply. However, Rahane joined forces with captain Shreyas Iyer to stabilize the innings. Their 88-run partnership laid the foundation for Mumbai’s successful chase. Iyer’s 46 off 30 balls provided the perfect support to Rahane, who held one end firmly while unleashing his trademark strokes.
Rahane’s knock was a masterclass in T20 batting. His ability to time the ball and pick gaps effortlessly was on full display. Even Hardik Pandya, a seasoned bowler and former India teammate, wasn’t spared. Rahane plundered 15 runs off one of Pandya’s overs, including a boundary and a towering six. Despite falling two runs short of a well-deserved century, Rahane’s efforts ensured Mumbai’s smooth passage into the final.
Rahane Reflects on His Approach
After the match, Rahane shed light on his batting philosophy. “It’s not about power; it’s about timing and maintaining my shape,” he explained. “The last two years have taught me to adapt my game for the shorter format. I focus on intent from ball one and extend my defensive strokes into scoring shots.” This strategic shift has been pivotal in his resurgence as a force in T20 cricket.
Mumbai’s Bowling Unit Shines
Mumbai’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance to restrict Baroda to 158. Each of the six bowlers chipped in with a wicket, showcasing the team’s collective effort. Shivam Dube dismissed the dangerous Hardik Pandya for just 5, while Krunal Pandya’s 30 off 24 balls was the only notable contribution from Baroda’s lineup. The lack of substantial partnerships hurt Baroda, making Mumbai’s task relatively easier.
Rahane’s SMAT Dominance: A Boon for KKR
Rahane’s form bodes well for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who acquired him for ₹1.5 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. With five half-centuries already in SMAT 2024/25, Rahane has proven his ability to adapt to the demands of T20 cricket. His consistency and experience will undoubtedly be an asset for KKR in the upcoming IPL season.
The Legacy of Ajinkya Rahane
Four years ago, Rahane led India to a historic Test series win in Australia, including the iconic victory at Gabba. Although he’s no longer part of India’s Test squad, Rahane continues to make headlines with his performances. His resurgence in domestic cricket highlights his unwavering commitment and hunger to excel.
Baroda’s Struggles and Lessons
Baroda’s inability to convert starts into significant scores was their downfall. Four of their batters got into double digits but failed to build on their starts. Hardik Pandya’s disappointing outing with both bat and ball added to Baroda’s woes. As the team reflects on this loss, they’ll need to address their inconsistencies to bounce back in future tournaments.
The Road Ahead for Mumbai
With Rahane in scintillating form and the team’s bowling unit firing on all cylinders, Mumbai looks well-poised to lift the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Their balanced approach, led by experienced players like Rahane and Iyer, has been the cornerstone of their success this season. As they prepare for the final, all eyes will be on Rahane to deliver yet another match-winning performance.
