New Delhi: In a major boost for Mumbai, India’s T20 International captain Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube will join the T20 squad for the last two matches of the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). Mumbai has played four matches in the premier T20 domestic competition thus far this season, having won three matches and lost one against Kerala.
The Shreyas Iyer-led side currently sits third on the points table with 12 points and a net-run-rate (NRR) of +1.199. Andhra and Kerala occupy the first and second spot, respectively, in Group E with both teams accounting for 16 points, though Kerala has played five matches in contrast to Andhra’s four.
Mumbai have two matches left in the league phase against Services (December 3) and Andhra (December 5) with an eye on the top two finish for the knockout qualification. With the return of Suryakumar and Dube, the batting order will be bolstered in the middle order in particular.
Suryakumar comes after leading the Indian team to a 3-1 remarkable series in South Africa last month. He wasn’t available for selection for Mumbai for the initial group matches, as reported by news agency PTI. Meanwhile, Dube last played a T20 match against Sri Lanka in the bilateral series in July.
As per the PTI report, Shreyas will continue to lead the side with Suryakumar having no objection over it and the Indian T20I skipper has been open to bat at any position suitable to the team.
How did Mumbai perform in SMAT so far?
Mumbai started its Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign with a convincing 26-run win over Goa thanks to Shreyas Iyer’s blistering ton (130 off 57 balls). The 2022 SMAT champions next defeated Maharashtra by five wickets with Iyer (71) and veteran Ajinkya Rahane (52) notching brilliant half-centuries.
Mumbai lost to Kerala by 43 runs in their third match, where over 400 runs were scored. The team returned back to winning ways inspired by clinical bowling from pacers Shardul Thakur (3 for 12) and Mohit Awasti (3 for 10) as Nagaland were bundled up for 107 in 19.4 overs. Iyer’s men chased the paltry score in 12.1 overs and seven wickets to spare.
In a major boost for Mumbai, India’s T20 International captain Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dube will join the T20 squad for the last two matches of the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
