Ready to dive into a thrilling saga where raw potential meets seasoned expertise, where dreams touch the realm of reality? We’re about to embark on a journey into the heart of a competition named after a cricketing legend from India, the first Indian to score an overseas Test century. This is the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, a platform where champions are made, leaving their unforgettable mark on the tapestry of Indian cricket. They paint vivid pictures of triumph, resilience, and awe-inspiring sportsmanship. So, buckle up and prepare for an intriguing trip down memory lane, as we revisit the heart-stopping stories of these champs, and uncover the defining moments that led them to victory. Let’s get down to it then.

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy All Winners List

1. Punjab: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2006-07 Winner

This tournament took place from April 3rd to April 21st, with Tamil Nadu ultimately stealing the spotlight as the first-ever champion. Punjab, who decided to bat first in the final, had high hopes of setting a big score but were pinned down to just 134 runs, courtesy of Tamil Nadu’s lethal bowling attack. As Tamil Nadu stepped up to the plate for the second innings, Punjab’s bowlers pulled out all the stops. But, the Tamil Nadu batsmen, showing true grit, clinched victory with a slim 2-wicket margin.

2. Maharashtra: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2009-10 Winner

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy’s second year of action in 2009 featured one less team but no less excitement. Maharashtra emerged as the top dogs in a final showdown with Hyderabad that kept fans on the edge of their seats from September 25th, 2009 to March 16th, 2010. Hyderabad, who fielded first after winning the toss, found themselves chasing a decent total of 119 runs set by Maharashtra. However, Maharashtra’s bowlers were in no mood for charity, with Fallah bagging an impressive 4 wickets for just 12 runs. This stellar bowling performance stifled Hyderabad’s chase, leading to a 19-run win for Maharashtra.

3. Bengal: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2010-11 Winner

The third season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was yet another cricket spectacle, with 27 teams flexing their muscles for the coveted title. This time, it was Bengal’s turn to roar, clinching the championship and carving their name in the history of the tournament. In a riveting final match against Madhya Pradesh, who chose to field first after winning the toss, Bengal’s batsmen set a competitive target of 142 runs. Madhya Pradesh, showcasing their mettle, chased the target with vigor but fell just short. In a nail-biter of a finale, Bengal defended their total, winning the match by the slimmest of margins, a single run.

4. Baroda: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2011-12 Winner

The fourth edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy saw Baroda rise to the top, displaying their cricketing brilliance. From October 16th, 2011 to March 27th, 2012, the tournament had its fair share of thrills, but Baroda’s journey was a standout. After a tied pre-quarter-final against Karnataka, which they won in a thrilling Super Over, Baroda found themselves in the final against Punjab. Batting first, they posted an impressive 149-run target. Punjab, determined to chase this down, fell just 8 runs short of the finish line.

5. Gujarat: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2012-13 Winner

The fifth Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy was no less thrilling, with 27 teams showcasing their cricketing prowess from March 17th to 31st, 2013. In a high-stakes final against Punjab, who batted first after winning the toss, Punjab could only manage a total of 122 runs. However, Gujarat rose to the occasion, proving they were no pushovers. In a dramatic turn of events, they knocked off the target with six wickets to spare, taking home the prestigious title.

6. Baroda: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2013-14 Winner

The sixth edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy of 2013-14 was a real showdown. Baroda, though, stole the show and lifted the coveted trophy, writing their names in the history of the tournament. One memorable moment was the T20 debut of Kamran Shaikh, who played for Baroda with a spark in his eye. The finale on 14th April was a heart-stopper, Baroda versus Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh decided to field first after winning the toss, hoping to keep a lid on Baroda’s batting prowess. But Baroda’s batsmen were on fire, racking up 144 runs. In a down-to-the-wire finish, Baroda edged Uttar Pradesh by a narrow 3 runs, clinching the title and earning their moment in the sun.

7. Gujarat: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2014-15 Winner

Next up, the seventh edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2014-15 saw Gujarat rise to glory. The final was a nail-biter, with Gujarat pitted against Punjab. After winning the toss, Gujarat decided to field first, a strategic move that paid off as their bowlers restricted Punjab’s run-making chances. Even though chasing the target wasn’t easy, Gujarat showed true grit and won by a whisker with just two wickets to spare.

8. Uttar Pradesh: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2015-16 Winner

The final was a thrilling face-off against Baroda. Baroda decided to field first after winning the toss, hoping to limit Uttar Pradesh’s scoring chances. But Uttar Pradesh put up a challenging 163-run target, which Baroda couldn’t chase down despite a brave effort. Uttar Pradesh’s bowlers were on fire, preventing Baroda from reaching the target. In the end, Uttar Pradesh celebrated a 38-run victory and lifted the coveted Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

9. East Zone: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2016-17 Winner

The ninth season of the tournament from 12 to 18 February 2017 was a total blast. This edition brought a new format, the winner from each zone advanced to the inter-zonal competition. After some intense clashes, it was the East Zone that walked away with the championship title. Their consistency and style of play were on point throughout the tournament, making a mark that’ll be remembered for years to come.

10. Delhi: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2017-18 Winner

From January 21 to January 26, 2018, we saw 21 adrenaline-pumping matches that had us all on the edge of our seats. The grand finale was a heart-pounding face-off between Delhi and Rajasthan. Delhi came out on top, beating Rajasthan by 41 runs and lifting their very first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

11. Karnataka: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2018-19 Winner

This tournament was a rollercoaster ride filled with nail-biting moments and stunning performances. In the final, up against Maharashtra, Karnataka showcased their bowling brilliance, limiting Maharashtra to 155 runs. Then, their batsmen took center stage, chasing down the target with only two wickets lost. Their 8-wicket win was a smooth one, cementing their spot as the champs of the 2018-19 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This feat also tied them with the Kolkata Knight Riders for the longest winning streak by an Indian team.

12. Karnataka: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019-20 Winner

From November 8 to December 1, 2019, this tournament was a spectacle to behold. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were the talk of the tournament, eventually making their way to the much-awaited final. And the final was an absolute thriller! It was a close call, with Karnataka beating Tamil Nadu by just a single run.

13. Tamil Nadu: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2020-21 Winner

The year 2021 saw the thirteenth Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in full swing. Tamil Nadu, in the semi-finals, wiped the floor with Rajasthan, securing a whopping seven-wicket win. Their final adversary was none other than Baroda, who put Punjab in their place with a stellar 25-run victory in the semi-final. The grand finale was nothing short of epic. It was a clash of the Titans, Tamil Nadu versus Baroda. However, Tamil Nadu proved to be the ultimate victor, clinching a resounding victory with seven wickets in hand.

14. Tamil Nadu: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021-22 Winner

In the semi-finals, Tamil Nadu made a statement by defeating Hyderabad by eight wickets. Meanwhile, in the other semi-final, Karnataka and Vidarbha locked horns in a thriller, with Karnataka inching out with a four-run win. The final, a nail-biting face-off between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, was another spectacle. Both teams showcased their skills, with Tamil Nadu eventually edging past Karnataka by four wickets.

15. Mumbai: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022-23 Winner

This tournament was a whirlwind of cricketing action, starting on 11th October and ending with an electrifying final on 5th November 2022. The competition was held across six different cities, namely Indore, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mohali, Jaipur, and Rajkot, each match drawing in scores of cricket enthusiasts. The final saw Mumbai take on Himachal Pradesh in a fierce competition. However, Mumbai had the last laugh as they emerged victorious, clinching their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title.

Conclusion

All in all, each team, every player, and every victory stands tall, a shining symbol of the relentless resilience, fiery determination, and deep-seated passion that is at the core of this magnificent sport. This isn’t just about raising the winner’s trophy, it’s about playing with all your heart, embodying the true spirit of cricket, and honoring the legacy of a legend like Syed Mushtaq Ali. This folks, is what the game is all about!

Rocky

Passionate sports content writer, Rocky delves into the world of athletics with a keen eye for detail. With a background in journalism, he transforms moments on the field into compelling narratives that resonate with readers.