WATCH: Venkatesh Iyer’s double strike dents Delhi in Syed Mushtaq Ali semi-finals

The costliest all-rounder in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Venkatesh Iyer, did the star with the ball on Friday. The 30-year-old, while turning out for Madhya Pradesh, picked 2/12 against Delhi in the second semi-finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. Rajat Patidar’s decision to bowl first paid rich dividends as Delhi scored just 146 on the board. 

Venkatesh Iyer’s first wicket of the game was against Delhi skipper Ayush Badoni in the second ball of the 12th over. Badoni tried to flick the ball over the deep square region only to see Arpit Gaud take the catch. His second wicket was that of Himmat Singh, two balls later, who was caught by Aniket Varma for 15. 

Double Delight ✌️

Venkatesh Iyer dismissed Ayush Badoni & Himmat Singh in the same over 👌👌#SMAT | @IDFCFIRSTBank

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Fa4GwxKzs6pic.twitter.com/l7qqAMQRms

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 13, 2024

Kolkata Knight Riders paid a whopping INR 23.75 crore to avail Iyer’s services. The 30-year-old who has played a handful of games for India was key with the bat in KKR’s title win last season. After being released, the MP-based cricketer revealed his hurt, only for fortunes to turn around and become one of the costliest players in the IPL 2025 auctions. 

Delhi batters done in by disciplined MP bowlers 

Madhya Pradesh pacers began well, as they didn’t let Delhi openers Priyansh Arya or Yash Dhull get going easily. Tripuresh Singh got the opening wicket to break the 38-run opening stand between Dhull and Arya when he dismissed the former for 11 runs. 

Former Mumbai Indians star Kumar Kartikeya then got the wicket of Priyansh Arya caught by Subranshu Senapati for 29. Anuj Rawat, who had scored 73 not out in the last game against UP, was yet again the best batter with 33 runs. His unbeaten knock came off 24 balls with the help of 3 fours and a six. 

In the first semi-finals played earlier in the day, Mumbai made short work of Baroda to achieve an easy win by 6 wickets. Ajinkya Rahane continued his rollicking form as he scored 98 runs from just 56 balls with 11 fours and 5 sixes. 

Mumbai skipper Shreyas Iyer speaking at the end of the game said, “You gain a lot of confidence from the top two batters, and it was great to carry that momentum. We discussed internally that we would go all guns blazing throughout because we have a deep batting line-up.”

Ajinkya Rahane was given the man of the match for his amazing knock and was happy with his performance. The veteran batter said, “Really happy with the way I am batting. Happy we won the match; hundreds will keep happening, but it is about winning matches, keeping the positive intent, and playing for the team. The way T20 is moving, you need to capitalize on the first six overs.”