Yusuf thrashing for Maharashtra

MUMBAI: When Yusuf Pathan bats as well as he can, there are few domestic bowling attacks that can stop him. On Friday, it was Maharashtra’s turn to bear the brunt of his blade in the West Zone T20 for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, at the MCA ground in BKC.
Chasing 140, Baroda were in doldrums at 69 for four at the half-way stage when their skipper walked in. It took just about half an hour for Yusuf to help Baroda wind up their their fourth win on the trot.Yusuf smashed an unbeaten 57 off just 24 balls with seven fours and three sixes.
Yusuf added 73 in 41 balls with Rakesh Solanki, who hit an unbeaten 40 (36b, 3x4) to help Baroda win with 15 balls and six wickets to spare.
Maharashtra, who had a healthy run rate, would have qualified had they beaten Baroda. But Yusuf’s bashing ensured that Maharashtra’s NRR too suffered.
Mumbai ousted
Gujarat grabbed the second knockout spot, thrashing Saurashtra by 62 runs to complete their league engagements. Gujarat’s win ensured Mumbai’s campaign in the tournament was over
Brief scores: Gujarat 150-4 (R Darbar 39, V Rao 61*) bt Saurashtra 88 in 18.2 overs (Rohit Dahiya 4-10). Maharshtra 139-7 in 20 overs (R Tripathi 32) lost to Baroda 142-4 in 17.3 overs (Y Pathan 57*, R Solanki 40*).