2020-21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Grand Final – Tamil Nadu vs Baroda Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Tamil Nadu vs Baroda taking place? Sunday 31st January, 2021 – 13:30 (UK)
Where is Tamil Nadu vs Baroda taking place? Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
Where can I get tickets for Tamil Nadu vs Baroda? No tickets are available as this tournament is taking place without spectators
What channel is Tamil Nadu vs Baroda on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Tamil Nadu vs Baroda? Those in the UK can stream the match live online with a subscription to Hotstar
THE PREDICTION
After the heartbreak of losing out in last year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy grand final by just one run, Tamil Nadu will return for a second shot at the trophy after beating Rajasthan in the semi-finals by seven wickets. Chasing 155 runs to win, a stunning 89 not out by batsman Arun Karthik from just 54 balls led the way for Tamil Nadu and they have booked themselves a showdown with Baroda on Sunday. Following an incredible quarter-final run chase than saw them chase down 15 runs from the final three deliveries to beat Haryana, Baroda entered their semi-final vs Punjab as underdogs. However, on a slow pitch they managed to record a solid score of 160/3, before a fantastic bowling performance saw them take early wickets and ultimately strangle their opponents into submission, winning by 25 runs.
The grand final will prove an exciting showdown between a Tamil Nadu side renowned for their batting and a Baroda outfit whose bowling has been consistently excellent at both taking wickets and keeping runs to a minimum. In opener Narayan Jagadeesan, Tamil boasts the highest run-scorer in the competition and he will have a huge part to play in this contest as he takes on a bowling unit who have picked up 60 wickets over the course of the competition. Whilst another thrilling grand final is expected on an Ahmedabad pitch expected to give both batters and bowlers cause for optimism, the outcome may just hinge on experience. In wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, Tamil Nadu have an outstanding captain with many huge matches under his belt over the course of his career. His knowledge and calming presence will get the best out of his team on such a big occasion and after last year’s agony, Tamil Nadu may just have enough firepower within their batting to carry them through here, allowing them to lay last year’s demons to rest and ultimately lift the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
