Anmolpreet Singh delivered an astonishing display of power-hitting, while India seamer Arshdeep Singh utilized his experience to lead Punjab to their first-ever title in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 tournament. They clinched a 20-run victory over Baroda in Mohali on Monday. Anmolpreet’s explosive 113 off 61 balls, coupled with Nehal Wadhera’s blistering 61 off 27 deliveries, propelled Punjab to an imposing 223 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, Baroda was restricted to 203 for 7, largely thanks to left-arm seamer Arshdeep’s remarkable figures of 4/23. He claimed three crucial wickets in the decisive 19th over, sealing the victory for his team.

Punjab’s onslaught in the latter part of the innings, with nine sixes and three fours off the last 21 balls, added 143 runs and proved pivotal. This, combined with Arshdeep’s exceptional bowling performance, ultimately determined the outcome.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Punjab’s strategy was to set a formidable target and apply pressure on their opponents in the final. This approach paid dividends, as Anmolpreet’s explosive innings took center stage at the PCA Stadium, which despite hosting a premier domestic tournament final, had a subdued atmosphere.

Baroda enjoyed an early breakthrough when Soyeb Sopariya dismissed in-form opener Abhishek Sharma with the first ball of the match. The ball moved away, and Sharma’s indecision led to a shot towards extra cover, where Jyotsnil Singh executed a brilliant catch.

In pursuit of their first title, Punjab faced adversity at 18 for two, losing Prabhsimran to an excellent delivery from Atit Sheth, just after he had struck a six over long-off. Prabhsimran’s dismissal, nicking a late swinger, was followed by a failed review.

Captain Mandeep Singh provided a spark, accumulating a quickfire 32 off 23 balls with an array of boundaries, before falling victim to Baroda’s Krunal Pandya.

Mandeep, who had been accumulating runs without taking undue risks, attempted a needless reverse sweep, resulting in his own dismissal.

At 80 for 3, Anmolpreet and Wadhera joined forces, methodically rebuilding Punjab’s innings and paving the way for a challenging total.

Once set, Anmolpreet and Wadhera dispatched boundaries and sixes with ease, applying pressure on the Baroda attack, which struggled to contain Punjab to 80 in the first 10 overs.

The latter part of the innings saw runs flowing freely in all directions, allowing Punjab to head into the break with confidence in their pursuit of a maiden T20 tournament title after four prior unsuccessful attempts.

Pacer Siddarth Kaul bolstered Punjab’s hopes by swiftly dismissing Jyotsnil Singh in the second over of Baroda’s innings.

Ninad Rathva’s aggressive 47 off 22 balls, combined with a second-wicket stand of 71 runs with Abhimanyusingh Rajput (61 off 42 balls), kept Baroda in contention.

The partnership was broken when Markande had Rathva stumped, as the ball skidded off the pitch.

Rajput and Krunal then forged an 88-run partnership for the third wicket, but Arshdeep’s dismissal of Rajput at 164 for 3 in the 17th over left Baroda with too steep a asking rate for a comeback.

Though Krunal continued to take on the bowlers and found a capable ally in Vishnu Solanki, it wasn’t enough for Baroda as they lost Krunal, Shivalik Sharma, and Bhanu Pania to Arshdeep, who bowled an outstanding penultimate over.

This marked the fifth final appearance for both Baroda and Punjab, the most for any team in the tournament. The two teams previously met in the 2011-12 final, when Baroda secured their first of two titles.