Delhi stormed into the semifinals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a 19-run win over Uttar Pradesh in Bengaluru. Anuj Rawat’s scintillating unbeaten 73 off 33 balls, featuring six boundaries and five sixes, powered Delhi to an imposing 193 for 3. Rawat’s innings caught fire in the death overs, with 61 runs coming off his last 15 balls. He dominated the final overs, punishing Vineet Panwar, Shivam Mavi, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to propel Delhi from 112 after 15 overs to a daunting total.
Rawat launched his assault in the 16th over, smashing Mavi for 23 runs, including two sixes and two fours. He brought up his half-century in just 22 balls with a massive six off Bhuvneshwar over deep square leg. Rawat then ended Delhi’s innings in style, hammering another six off Mavi.
In response, Uttar Pradesh struggled to find momentum, managing only 18 runs in the first three overs. Priyam Garg tried to spark a fightback with a quickfire 54, hitting three sixes and four boundaries. However, his dismissal to a top edge off Simarjeet Singh in the 12th over left UP reeling at 104 for 4. Sameer Rizvi chipped in with 26, but the lack of partnerships and regular wickets dented their chase.
The match also saw heated moments, with Ayush Badoni and Nitish Rana exchanging words after an on-field altercation during Delhi’s innings. Badoni later dismissed Rana, adding drama to the contest.
UP’s tailenders—Bhuvneshwar, Mohsin Khan, and Panwar—provided late fireworks with five boundaries and two sixes, but the effort was too little, too late. Delhi’s disciplined bowling, led by Prince Yadav (3-36) and Suyash Sharma (2-36), ensured they secured a well-earned victory.
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