Himachal Pradesh stormed into the finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022 on Thursday by defeating Punjab by 13 runs in the first semi-final of the tournament at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Led by Rishi Dhawan, who bagged three wickets, Himachal Pradesh continued their dream run in white-ball cricket. It may be recalled they are Vijay Hazare Trophy defending champions.
Himachal Pradesh rode on a stunning bowling spell from captain Rishi Dhawan and a 25-ball 51 from Sumeet Verma to clinch a 13-run win after posting 176 on the board. Himachal Pradesh were sent into bat by Punjab captain Mandeep Singh, who won the toss.
Himachal were reduced to 51/3 in the ninth over, as they had also lost Abhimanyu Rana for just two. However, Sumeet Verma and Akash Vasisht counter-attacked during their 45-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Sumeet hit three sixes and three boundaries for his 25-ball 51, while Vasisht hit two sixes and four boundaries for his 25-ball 43. Himachal got a superb late impetus from Pankaj Jaswal, who smashed 27 from just 16 balls, while captain Rishi chipped in with a seven off four balls.
In reply, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma opened the innings. Punjab lost Abhishek and Prabhsimran Singh early for 1 and 8, respectively. Shubman hit a six and six boundaries, but Mayank Dagar got the big wicket in the 10th over. Ramandeep Singh and captain Mandeep got going in the end overs. Ramanpdeep hit 2 sixes and 3 boundaries for his 15-ball 29 while their skipper hit a six and three boundaries and stayed unbeaten but it was not enough. Its maiden final for HP as they face Mumbai in the final.
{{/usCountry}}In reply, Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma opened the innings. Punjab lost Abhishek and Prabhsimran Singh early for 1 and 8, respectively. Shubman hit a six and six boundaries, but Mayank Dagar got the big wicket in the 10th over. Ramandeep Singh and captain Mandeep got going in the end overs. Ramanpdeep hit 2 sixes and 3 boundaries for his 15-ball 29 while their skipper hit a six and three boundaries and stayed unbeaten but it was not enough. Its maiden final for HP as they face Mumbai in the final.
{{/usCountry}}Brief Scores:
Himachal Pradesh: 176/7 in 20 overs (S Verma 51; A Vasisht 43; Abhishek Sharma 2/20, Sanvir Singh 2/17) Punjab: 163/7 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 45; Rishi Dhawan 3/25).