The SMAT is a good testing ground ahead of next year's IPL.
With the mega-auction done for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season, all eyes are currently on the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) where a number of domestic and India stars are plying their trade in the short-format tournament.
The SMAT will be a good testing ground ahead of next year’s IPL as it will feature some potential matchups as well as give the players a chance to check their form and gauge their abilities.
One such faceoff happened today, albeit not a direct matchup. During the game between Gujarat and Karnataka, Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) spinner Ravi Bishnoi took an unbelievable diving catch to dismiss Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) recruit Manish Pandey.
The wicket fell on the last ball of the fifth over in Karnataka’s innings. Axar Patel delivered a full-length ball outside the off-stump, which Manish tried to drive. Bishnoi, charging in from the long-off boundary, pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss him. Manish contributed 30 runs off 17 deliveries, hitting five fours and one six. His departure left Karnataka at 54 for one at the end of five overs.
Check the video of the dismissal below.
Speaking about the match between Gujarat and Karnataka, the former posted their highest-ever SMAT total of 251 for 5.
Chasing a towering target of 252, Karnataka’s opening pair of Manish Pandey (30) and skipper Mayank Agarwal(45) gave a solid start to the chase with a 54-run stand.
However, Karnataka had a bad slip from 132/3 to 162/6 and were eventually bundled out for 203 in 19.1 overs, falling short by 48 runs. Bishnoi was also the standout bowler for Gujarat, claiming three wickets,
ALSO READ: CSK Stalwart Puts Doubts Over His Form To Rest With a Quickfire 97 in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Notably, both Bishnoi and Pandey are integral to their respective IPL franchise’s plans and fans can get to witness a mouthwatering battle between the duo in IPL 2025.
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