Punjab created history on Monday, December 6, by clinching their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a scintillating victory over Baroda. This monumental win marks their first domestic title since their Ranji Trophy triumph in the 1992-93 season. Anmolpreet Singh and Arshdeep Singh emerged as the heroes of the day, delivering sensational performances in both halves of the game.
The match, held at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali, witnessed a captivating contest as the momentum swung back and forth between the two teams right from the start. Baroda began strongly, dismissing star openers Abhishek Sharma and Prabhsimran Singh within the first four overs of the first innings.
It was Anmolpreet Singh who single-handedly resurrected Punjab’s innings with a stunning century. His innings, meticulously crafted, saw him reach the coveted three-digit mark off just 58 balls. The turning point came when he neared his half-century, unleashing an onslaught that resulted in a 36-ball century. Teaming up with captain Mandeep, they put together a valuable partnership of 62 runs.
Punjab’s patience was rewarded when Nehal Wadhera, who represented Mumbai Indians in the IPL, smashed a remarkable 61 off only 27 balls. With Wadhera’s aggressive approach, Anmolpreet was free to accelerate and eventually scored 113 off just 61 deliveries. Together, they amassed 138 runs for the fifth wicket, setting Punjab up for a competitive total of 224 runs in the final.
Baroda, a two-time champion in the competition, did not give up easily. After losing Jyotsnil Singh early, Ninad Rathva (47 off 22) and Abhimanyu Singh (61 off 42) took charge and built a strong foundation for the team.
Mayank Markande’s crafty delivery that deceived Ninad in the 8th over provided Punjab with a crucial breakthrough, but they were still under pressure as Baroda was scoring at 10 runs per over.
Captain Krunal Pandya stepped up for Baroda, keeping them in the chase. Despite Punjab’s struggles with fielding and catching, Krunal Pandya’s 45 off 32 balls injected hope into Baroda’s pursuit. The turning point came in the 18th over when veteran Vishnu Solanki struck Siddharth Kaul for 24 runs, reigniting Baroda’s aspirations.
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However, Arshdeep Singh, the young pacer representing India and Punjab Kings, shattered Baroda’s hopes with a sensational performance in the penultimate over. He scalped three wickets for just four runs, leaving Baroda with an impossible task.
Baroda needed 29 runs off the final over, but spinner Harpreet Brar maintained composure, conceding only 8 runs and taking a crucial wicket. Punjab emerged victorious by 20 runs, clinching their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Anmolpreet Singh, who played a pivotal role in Punjab’s triumph with his sensational century, was named the Player of the Match. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma was recognized as the Player of the Series for his outstanding performance, scoring 485 runs and claiming 2 wickets throughout the tournament.
