KKR’s Ajinkya Rahane and CSK’s Shivam Dube put up outstanding performances in the quarter-final against Vidarbha at KSCA Cricket Ground, Alur, leading Mumbai to a spot in the SMAT semi-final.

In the recent IPL 2025 auction, KKR acquired Ajinkya Rahane for INR 1.5 crore while CSK retained Shivam Dube for INR 12 crore before the auction.

Also Read: KKR Star’s all-round brilliance leads team to SMAT semi-finals; Named player of the match

The shocking impact of Ajinkya Rahane

In the quarter-final against Vidarbha at Alur, Mumbai were set a challenging target of 222. Vidarbha posted a solid total of 221/6 in their 20 overs. The innings featured solid contributions from Atharva Taide, Wankhade and Shubham Dubey.

In response, Mumbai openers Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane started aggressively, putting up an opening partnership of 83 runs. Shaw was dismissed and Mumbai lost two quick wickets with Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav falling cheaply.

Amid the pressure, Rahane played a mature and steady innings, scoring 84 runs off 45 balls, which included 10 fours and 3 sixes. His strike rate of 186.67 kept Mumbai in the chase. Rahane’s knock, his fourth fifty-plus score in the tournament, laid a solid foundation for the chase.

He was sacked after a quick 39-year partnership with Shivam Dube, but his contribution was crucial in guiding Mumbai towards their goal.

Also Read: 3 major weaknesses of SRH ahead of IPL 2025 season

Shivam Dube’s final touch

Shivam Dube continued the chase with his own aggressive performance. He and Suryansh Shedge ensured Mumbai’s victory by finishing the job in style. Dube scored 37 runs off 22 balls, providing much-needed support to Shedge, who scored 36 runs off just 12 balls.

Together, they helped Mumbai reach the target with 4 balls to spare, securing a 6-wicket victory. Dube’s contribution, along with Shedge’s finishing touch, was vital in Mumbai’s successful quest for a mammoth total.

For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram and YouTube.