SMAT 2022 Final, HP vs MUM: Sarfaraz stands tall as Mumbai topple Himachal Pradesh  

Sarfaraz Khan [Source: Twitter]

As it happened, Mumbai trumped Himachal Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022 final with the troika of Mohit Avashti, Tanush Kotian and Sarfaraz Khan helping the former bring home the bacon.

Chasing the target of 144 runs, Mumbai suffered early bumps in their journey as both their openers faltered early.

However, the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer struck a 41-run stand to take the game forward. Although the innings seemed to sail smoothly, Vaibhav Arora struck thrice to reprieve Himachal's chances of winning the game.

It went down to the wire in the end, with Sarfaraz's 31-ball 36 sealing the deal for Mumbai in the last over.

Kotian, Avashti rock Himachal's boat

Opting to bowl first, Mumbai were all over Himachal Pradesh as the duo of Avasthi and Kotian ran riot, claiming three wickets apiece.

After being reduced to 58/6, Himachal turned the corner with Akash Vasisht and Ekant Sen forging a 60-run partnership. 

With the innings into the slog overs, both the batters perished looking for final flourish. However, Mayank Dagar struck a 21-run cameo as his side landed at 143/8 after the end of 20 overs. 

Brief scores

Himachal Pradesh: 143/8 (20)
Ekant Sen 37 (29), Akash Vasisht 25 (22);
Tanush Kotian 3-15 (4), Mohit Avasthi 3-21 (4)

Mumbai: 146/7 (19.3)
Sarfaraz Khan 36* (31), Shreyas Iyer 34 (26)
Vaibhav Arora 3-27 (4), Mayank Dagar 2-24 (4)

Mumbai won by three wickets. 

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