Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024: Madhya Pradesh beat Delhi to face Mumbai in the final
Captain Rajat Patidar's outstanding knock of 66 off 29 helped Madhya Pradesh beat Delhi in the second semi-final of the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. MP will face Mumbai in the final on Sunday.
Captain Rajat Patidar led Madhya Pradesh to the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final with an impressive 29-ball innings of 66 runs while chasing the target set by Delhi, who were defeated by 7 wickets. Madhya Pradesh has reached the SMAT final after 13 years as they will face 2023 champions Mumbai in the 2024 final in the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on 15 December 2024.
Impressive performance by MP bowlers in the first innings
Following the toss win, MP captain Patidar opted to field in and sent Delhi to bat for the first innings today in Bengaluru. Priyansh Arya and Yash Dhull opened for Delhi and gave the batting side a solid start, as they scored 38 runs in the first 5 overs of powerplay. However, in the 6th over, Yash Dhull got dismissed on 11 off 18 balls; and Priyansh went back to the pavilion in the 9th over with 29 runs by his name off 21 balls.
After the openers departed, Madhya Pradesh bowlers took over the driver's seat and put up a show. All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer stormed in to take two wickets in three balls in the 12th over as he sent Delhi captain Ayush Badoni and Himmat Singh back to the dugout. However, Anuj Rawat's scorching knock of 33 off 24 and Mayank Rawat's 21-ball innings of 24 runs pushed Delhi to a decent score of 146/5 in 20 overs.
Rajat Patidar played a captain's knock
Captain Rajat Patidar's storming innings is the definite highlight of Madhya Pradesh's chase; as he scored 66 runs off just 29 balls, studded with 4 boundaries and 6 over-boundaries.
Madhya Pradesh Captain Rajat Patidar put on a masterclass against spin bowling on his way to a blistering 66*(29) against Delhi in the semifinal 👏👏#SMAT | @IDFCFIRSTBank
However, veteran pacer Ishant Sharma startled MP's innings in the first over as he dismissed opener Arpit Gaud on the very first ball. Ishant sent Subhranshu Senapati back to the pavilion in the third over, leaving a trembling Madhya Pradesh with a scoreline of 22/2 in 3 overs.
Harsh Gawali's decent innings of 30 off 18 balls challenged Delhi bowlers and stabilized MP's innings. Following his departure, Patidar pulled off a stunning 66-run innings of just 29 balls to lead MP to the target in just 15.4 overs. Harpreet Singh Bhatia completed the chase with a six, delivering an impressive knock of 46 off 38 balls to power MP to the coveted win.
IPL 2025: RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs
Explore how RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs with 10 different batters smashing fifties in a single IPL season. Relive the iconic moments of these ten half-centurions in IPL 2025.
Never before has an IPL team displayed such diverse batting depth as Royal Challengers Bengaluru did in IPL 2025. This season, they set a new league record by having 10 different players who each scored at least one half-century.
They broke the previous benchmark set by Mumbai Indians of nine different half-centurions in 2017. Find out how RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs to take this game to another level.
1. Virat Kohli (8 half-centuries)
Virat Kohli celebration his 8th half century of IPL 2025 against LSG. Image | Pinterest
The chase master, Virat Kohli, is leading the pack with 8 half-centuries to his name in IPL 2025. He started this season with a fifty and ended the league stage with scoring his 8th one of this season.
He's been incredibly consistent throughout, and scored 602 runs in 13 matches, with a strike rate above 147. He is also among the top 5 contenders in the race for Orange Cap.
Phil Salt celebrating his third half century in IPL 2025. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The England batter, Phil Salt, proved to be a key opener along with Kohli for the team in IPL 2025. He also started the season with scoring a fifty against KKR, and contributed with 331 runs across 11 matches played.
Rajat Patidar celebrating his second half century in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
The skipper, Rajat Patidar, has not been able to fire with the bat much, but he stood up for RCB whenever he could. This season, he scored 2 half-centuries against two big teams (MI & CSK).
Patidar fifties in IPL 2025:
vs MI: 64 runs (32 balls)
vs CSK: 51 runs (32 balls)
4. Devdutt Padikkal (2 half-centuries)
Devdutt Padikkal celebrating his second half century in IPL 2025. Image | Facebook
Batting at no. 3, Devdutt Padikkal, has served as a vital asset for RCB in crucial games. He proved the fans how he was deserving of his position in the playing XI, by delivering spectacular knocks and 2 half-centuries.
Unfortunately, Padikkal had to leave mid-season due to injury issues, but his contribution makes him the fourth batter that helped RCB create this unique history before the playoffs.
Jacob Bethell celebrating his maiden IPL fifty in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
The 21-year-old Jacob Bethell is the youngest half-centurion of this season for RCB. He scored his maiden IPL fifty against Chennai Super Kings and made his mark with a banger.
Bethell fifties in IPL 2025:
vs CSK: 55 runs (33 balls)
6. Tim David (1 half-century)
Tim David after scoring his maiden IPL fifty against PBKS in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Tim David is like the backbone of RCB who stands strong along the boundary line and never lets a ball pass through! Besides his on-field contribution with his spectacular catching and fielding skills, this power-hitter has delivered with the bat too.
David scored his maiden IPL fifty against PBKS and that was a treat to watch. He comes to bat at crucial times and makes sure his team reaches a defendable total.
Krunal Pandya celebrating his century against DC in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Krunal Pandya is one of the most consistent all-rounder of this season for RCB. He has taken crucial wickets for the team and helped them earn those crucial points.
Apart from bowling, Pandya scored a match-winning half-century against Delhi Capitals. He came to bat at the time when RCB's batting order collapsed early, and delivered an amazing knock.
Romario Shepherd celebrating his half-century against CSK in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Romario Shepherd's half-century against CSK in IPL 2025 was is an explosive batting tale to talk about. His unbeaten 53* off just 14 balls left the bowlers and spectators stunned!
Shepherd single-handedly scored 33 runs off the 19th over and showered the fans with sixes.
Shepherd fifties in IPL 2025:
vs CSK: 53* runs (14 balls)
Are you not entertained? 🤩
Romario Shepherd thrilled the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with a 'blink and you miss' knock 🫡🔥
Liam Livingstone celebrating his half-century against GT in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
The English all-rounder, Liam Livingstone, etched his name in the list of half-centurions for RCB by scoring one against Gujarat Titans in their league match. He helped the team reach a respectable total when they had lost all hopes in the first inning of the match.
Livingstone fifties in IPL 2025:
vs GT: 54 runs (40 balls)
10. Jitesh Sharma (1 half-century)
Jitesh Sharma celebrating his match-winning knock against LSG in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Here comes the 10th batter whose half-century was a special one for RCB. Jitesh Sharma, who became the stand-in captain for the team, scored his first fifty for the team in their last league match.
He showed no mercy to the bowlers and scored 85* off just 33 balls to help RCB chase down a big total and reach top-two in the points table.
Highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs
From Shubman Gill's match-winning 129 off 60 balls to Sehwag and Watson's heroics. Discover the highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs history.
The intensity of IPL playoffs brings out extraordinary performances. Several players have set the bar high with their fearless batting skills and bagging those victories for the teams.
With the IPL 2025 playoffs approaching, it is the best time to examine the highest individual scores by players in the IPL playoffs.
Check out the full list of the highest individual scores by players in the IPL playoffs.
1. Shubham Gill (129 runs) | GT
Shubman Gill celebrating his century against MI in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2023. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Shubham Gill shattered all the big batting records of IPL playoffs with his unbelievable knock of 129 runs off 60 balls against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023 Qualifier 2.
His performance as an opening batsman took Gujarat Titans to a huge total of 233 runs, which they defended comfortably and booked their final berth.
This groundbreaking knock tops the chart for the highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs.
Wriddhiman Saha playing a slog-sweep during his 115* off 55 balls in IPL 2014 Final. Image | ESPNcricinfo
An incredible season for the boy of Bengal, Wriddhiman Saha, who dominated till the very end against KKR in the IPL 2014 Final. He scored an unbeaten 115 runs from just 55 balls and helped PBKS reach a defendable total. Saha's ton was the first ton ever scored in an IPL final.
Even though Kolkata Knight Riders pulled off a brilliant victory in that match, Saha's performance won the hearts of the fans!
5. Murali Vijay (113 runs) | CSK
Murali Vijay's celebration after scoring 113 runs off 58 balls in IPL 2012 Qualifier 2. Image | Pinterest
Murali Vijay single-handedly took CSK to a humongous total in the Qualifier 2 of IPL 2012. His remarkable contribution of 113 runs from 58 balls made things easier for their team.
With this victory against Delhi Capitals, CSK headed towards the Final and Murali Vijay was rewarded player of the match.
Rajat Patidar's match winning 112* runs against LSG in IPL 2022 Eliminator. Image | Reddif
Rajat Patidar has proven to be one of the impactful figures for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ever since his debut in 2021. He left a stellar lasting impression with his knock of 112* runs from 54 balls against LSG in IPL 2022 Eliminator.
His contribution was extremely crucial for the team as their batting line-up collapsed early in the first innings. However, RCB successfully defeated LSG to move ahead in the tournament, with credit to Patidar.
Expensive flops? Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer's IPL 2025 disappointments
While this IPL season has given us some great performances, we have also seen some big players struggle. Focusing on the expensive flops that have not met expectations this year, let's talk about Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer's IPL 2025 disappointments.
IPL 2025 has been a mixture of talents and unpredictable moments. The spotlight always falls on the players who are bought for a high price in the auction.
In 2025 IPL, the spotlight is on two big names that fans were expecting big things from. This article examines Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer's IPL 2025 disappointments that sparked heated discussions for being expensive flops.
Rishabh Pant's ₹27 crore letdown
Rishabh Pant after his dismissal Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. Image | Facebook
Rishabh Pant, who captained DC in the last season, was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants as the most expensive player in IPL history for ₹27 crore. He is having an extremely disappointing IPL season this year. He scored 110 runs in 10 matches so far, with an average of 12.22 and a strike rate below 100.
LSG has won 5 out of 10 matches, and Pant has gone out for a duck twice in those. Fans expected him to take greater responsibilities this year as a captain, considering the kind of quality batter he is.
The franchise has managed to win matches with team efforts, but lacked the support from their skipper. Pant scored 63 in 49 balls against CSK but failed to be consistent in the following matches.
Questions have also been raised about his annual contract with BCCI, and we are yet to see a steady comeback after his massive flop. The weight of the price tag definitely appears to have become a heavy burden.
Pant's IPL 2025 batting figures:
vs DC- 0(6)
vs SRH- 15(15)
vs PBKS- 2(5)
vs MI- 2(6)
vs CSK- 63(49)
vs RR- 3(9)
vs MI- 4(2)
Venkatesh Iyer's costly silence
Venkatesh Iyer after his dismissal against PBKS in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Venkatesh Iyer's 2025 season with Kolkata Knight Riders serves as another big example of expensive letdown. He has delivered consistent performance for the franchise in previous years and was a major pillar of contribution for the defending champions.
KKR reacquired him with a huge ₹23.75 crore with the hopes of him proving to be their key player, but it was all a flop show. The team is currently not doing well in the points table, having 4 wins in 10 matches, and this is the crucial stage where they need him to step out.
Venkatesh scored 142 runs in 10 matches, with an average of 20.29, which makes the question stand strong: was the big price worth it?
Monster Hits: Top 10 Longest Sixes in IPL History That Shook the Stadiums
Albie Morkel has hit the longest six in IPL history with a massive 125m six in IPL 2008. Here is the list of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history. A few names will shock you.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a festival of big hits, explosive innings, and jaw-dropping sixes since its inception in 2008. While many sixes are hit every season, only a few stand out for their sheer distance.
These monstrous hits don’t just clear the boundary—they clear stadiums, dent roofs, and sometimes even disappear into the night. Here’s a rundown of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history, and the Players whose raw power made them unforgettable.
(10) Liam Livingstone - 117 meters (PBKS vs GT, 2022)
Liam Livingstone representing Punjab Kings in IPL 2022-24
Liam Livingstone hit a 117-meter six at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. His raw, savage hitting came while representing the Punjab Kings against the Gujarat Titans. Livingstone’s aggressive batting style added a new dimension to the IPL's power-hitting tradition.
In the 16th over, Livingstone launched Mohammed Shami’s short ball over deep midwicket. The sound off the bat, the launch angle, and the distance of the six were commendable. It was the longest six of the 2022 season and one of the most replayed moments on social media.
(9) Gautam Gambhir - 117 meters (KKR vs RR, 2013)
Gautam Gambir, the Captain of Kolkata Knight Riders
Known for his gritty batting and match-winning leadership, Gambhir was not the kind of player you would expect to smash 100+ meter sixes.
But he shocked everyone in 2013 when he struck a 117-meter six playing for KKR against the Rajasthan Royals. He picked up a short ball and hammered it deep into the stands — a 117-meter monster against S Sreesanth at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
The back-foot shot was so clean and powerful that it left everyone stunned, as it was unexpected from someone like Gautam Gambhir, who built his game on timing and not power-hitting. It proved that even the most technically correct batters can deliver a serious punch.
(8) Ben Cutting – 117 meters (SRH vs RCB, 2016)
Ben Cutting played a important knock of 39* runs off just 15 balls in the IPL 2016 Final Match
During the 2016 IPL final between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ben Cutting smashed a full toss ball of Shane Watson over backwards square leg with a clean strike, and it measured a 117-meter six, making it not just long but legendary at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.
What made it even more iconic was the situation of that match. Ben Cutting’s 39* runs off just 15 balls with 3 fours and 4 huge sixes gave SRH the final push to reach the total of 208 runs. He then came back with the ball to take 2 wickets, including Gayle and KL Rahul. His all-around performance earned him the Man of the Match award and helped SRH lift their maiden IPL trophy in 2016 under the captaincy of David Warner.
(7) Ross Taylor – 119 meters (RCB vs CSK, 2008)
Ross Taylor representing Royal Challengers Bangalore
Ross Taylor smashed a 119-meter six against his Kiwi team-mate Jacob Oram in the deep mid-wicket area. It came during the inaugural edition of IPL in the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. Ross Taylor was representing RCB, and Jacob was playing for CSK.
Taylor's technique – staying still and unleashing raw power – made this six particularly memorable, and it was so long that it made it to the list of Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history.
While Ross Taylor may be remembered more for his classical stroke play and calm middle-order presence, that 119-meter six remains a loud reminder that underestimate his muscle, and he’ll send the ball into orbit.
(6) Yuvraj Singh – 119 meters (KXIP vs CSK, 2009)
Yuvraj Singh, the first captain of Kings XI Punjab
Yuvraj Singh smashed a massive 119-meter six with his signature flick shot over the midwicket area against the delivery of Albie Morkel at the SuperSport Park Stadium in Centurion, South Africa. Yuvraj Singh, being one of the important players of Kings XI Punjab in that season, hit that six against Chennai Super Kings.
In the IPL 2009 season, Yuvraj wasn’t just clearing boundaries; he also made headlines with two hat-tricks as a part-time spinner. But moments like this, 119 meters six reminded everyone of what he did best: destroy bowling attacks with his power-hitting.
Unlike many power-hitters who rely on brute force, Yuvraj had a unique blend of timing and wristwork. This particular 119-meter six was a classic example—it looked casual, but it was massive.
(5) Chris Gayle – 119 meters (RCB vs PWI, 2013)
Chris Gayle celebrating after hitting the fastest century in the history of IPL in just 30 balls
On April 13, 2013, known as the "Universe Boss", Chris Gayle, while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, unleashed carnage with an unbeaten 175 off 66 balls with 13 fours and 17 sixes against Pune Warriors India, still the highest individual score in T20 history.
Among the 17 sixes he smashed that day, one stood out—a 119-meter monster six which came against the left-arm spinner Ali Murtaza, and everybody knew that this six would definitely make its entry in the unique list of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history.
Gayle picked up a tossed-up delivery and sent it sailing high over long-on, clearing the stadium roof. What made the shot even more iconic was how casual it looked.
There was no slog, no overextension; just a flick of those massive shoulders. And that’s what sets Gayle apart. His sixes don’t just travel far; they leave dents in the minds of bowlers.
Robin Uthappa representing Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2009-10
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Robin Uthappa hit a massive 120-meter six against the delivery of Dwayne Bravo, who was playing for Mumbai Indians. Often underrated in terms of raw power, Robin Uthappa hammered the full-length delivery, and it sailed over the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.
He shuffled slightly to the offside and struck the full delivery high over wide long-on. The white ball flew above the stadium, high over the concrete roof.
What made this 120-meter six remarkable was how clean the strike was. Uthappa didn’t muscle it; he timed it with perfection.
That’s what shocked everyone—how effortless it looked coming off the bat, yet how far it travelled. In an era dominated by big names like Gayle, Dhoni, AB De Villiers, and Pollard, Robin Uthappa quietly carved out his own moment of IPL glory with that 120-meter majestic six.
(3) Adam Gilchrist – 122 meters (KXIP vs RCB, 2011)
Adam Gilchrist celebrating after smashing 106 runs off just 55 balls against RCB in 2011
Adam Gilchrist’s 122-meter six in the 2011 IPL was a throwback to his peak days of fearless, no-nonsense hitting. Representing Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the Aussie legend unleashed one of the biggest sixes in tournament history—a 122-meter six of pure, clean power.
The shot came at the Dharamsala ground, known for its high altitude and quick carry. Gilchrist capitalised on that, but this wasn’t a thin-air fluke—it was a full-blooded pull shot off Charl Langeveldt.
The ball rocketed into the mountainside air, disappearing deep into the stands beyond mid-wicket. Even by Gilchrist’s own explosive standards, this was massive.
That innings was special in itself—Gilchrist smashed 106 off 55 balls in that match with 8 fours and 9 sixes, leading from the front with a captain’s knock. But the 122-meter six became one of the most talked-about moments, not just for its length but for the man who hit it.
(2) Praveen Kumar – 124 meters (RCB vs RR, 2008)
Praveen Kumar representing Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL
Praveen Kumar, mainly acknowledged for his swing bowling, shocked everyone by hitting a 124-meter six during the 2008 season when he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, against the Rajasthan Royals.
In that match, Kumar smashed a huge six off the bowling of Yusuf Pathan, sending the ball flying over long-on. This massive 124-meter six stands as one of the longest in IPL history and is the longest six ever hit by an Indian player in the IPL.
It is important to point out that there is some variation in the reporting about the year and the opposing team for this six.
Some sources place the 124-meter six during a match against the Mumbai Indians in the year 2011, with Kumar hitting the huge six for Kings XI Punjab against Lasith Malinga. However, some reputable accounts put the 124-meter six at the 2008 match against the Rajasthan Royals.
Regardless of the exact details, Praveen Kumar's 124-meter six remains a standout moment in IPL history, showcasing his unexpected power-hitting ability.
(1) Albie Morkel – 125 meters (CSK vs DC, 2008)
Albie Morkel representing Chennai Super Kings in the IPL
South African all-rounder Albie Morkel holds the record for the longest six in IPL history. Playing for Chennai Super Kings against Deccan Chargers, Morkel launched a delivery from Pragyan Ojha to an astounding 125 meters six, sending the ball onto the stadium roof at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
The shot was classic Morkel—high bat lift, full commitment, and insane raw power. What made it even more impressive was that it wasn’t a slog. It was a technically sound, full swing of the bat that met the ball perfectly in the slot. The bat speed generated by Morkel without much footwork—pure timing and raw strength.
Over 18 years later, no one has topped that 125-meter giant six, and it's a record that stands as a reminder of just how brutal Morkel could be when he found his arc. This 125-meter six by Albie Morkel tops the list of the Top 10 longest sixes in IPL history.
BCCI Central Contract 2025: Talking points from BCCI's contract announcement
7 new names were included in the BCCI Central contract, whereas Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer returned to the list as the BCCI announced their central contract for 2025.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Central Contract for the 2025-26 season on Monday, 21st April 2025. 7 new players were added to the contract, while players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan returned to the list after missing out last time.
Last year, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were left out of the BCCI central contract after opting out of the domestic games for their respective state teams. BCCI's focus on domestic cricket left them out of the central contract despite being part of the Indian team set up a few months ago.
But, this time, both the Indian batters were added to the contract after Iyer won everything in the domestic cricket last season, along with lifting the IPL 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders. Ishan Kishan also played through the entire domestic season and has been rewarded with the contract too.
Talking points from the BCCI Central Contract 2025
Rohit and Kohli stay in Grade A+
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remained in the Grade A+ category despite retiring from the T20I format. Rohit and Virat had announced their retirement from the shortest format of the game after lifting the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies.
Ravindra Jadeja is another name who has been listed in the A+ category despite retiring from the T20Is after the World Cup victory.
Bumrah is the only all-format player in A+
With Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja retiring from the shortest format of the game, Jasprit Bumrah remains the only all-format player to be in the A+ category of the BCC Central Contract 2025.
Pant is promoted to the Grade A category
Rishabh Pant received a promotion to the A category after being in the B category last year. Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami are the other names in the A category, who were already there in last year's contract.
Ravi Ashwin has been left out of the contract since he retired from international cricket.
Iyer listed in grade B; Kishan in grade C
Shreyas Iyer, who was left out of the contract last year, has been included in the Grade B, while Ishan Kishan has been listed in the Grade C.
Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the other names in Grade B, who were there last time as well.
New 7 names in Grade C
Nitish Kumar Reddy was among the seven new names in the BCCI Central Contract. Image | Assoicated Press
7 new players have been added to the BCCI Central Contract 2025. All of these players found themselves in Grade C.
Dhruv Jurel, Sarafraz Khan, Nitish Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Akash Deep are the players who received the contract for their performances in the last season.
Not to be confused, Akash Deep earlier had a fast bowling contract and this year received the central contract after doing well in the Test format.
Shardul Thakur, Jitesh Sharma, KS Bharath, Avesh Khan, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal and Vidwath Kaverappa have been left out of the contract this year.
Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal and Vidwath Kaverappa were all part of the fast bowling contract last season.
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