Kishan and Kushagra Lead Jharkhand to SMAT 2025 Victory

By Harshit - Dec 19, 2025 12:03 AM
Last updated on Dec 19, 2025 12:03 AM

The 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy concluded with a spectacular finale as Jharkhand claimed their maiden T20 title, powered by standout performances from Ishan Kishan and Kumar Kushagra. The duo's record-breaking partnership propelled Jharkhand to an imposing 262 for 3, setting the stage for a dominant 69-run victory over Haryana in Pune.

From the first over, Kishan showcased his T20 prowess, hitting six sixes in the powerplay and crafting a 49-ball century that stunned fans and bowlers alike. Kushagra complemented the assault with an aggressive 81 off 38 balls, displaying impeccable timing and stroke play to anchor the partnership and maintain a blistering scoring rate. Together, they forged a 177-run second-wicket stand, the backbone of Jharkhand’s monumental total.

Haryana’s innings began with promise, courtesy of Yashvardhan Dalal and Nishant Sindhu, who counter-attacked to keep their team in contention. However, their dismissal at 104 for 5 turned the tide irreversibly, allowing Jharkhand’s bowlers to dominate the remainder of the match. Anukul Roy and Robin Minz ensured a powerful finish, adding 75 runs in the last 29 balls to solidify Jharkhand's supremacy.

Kishan's Powerplay Blitz

Kishan’s extraordinary powerplay performance set the tone for Jharkhand’s innings. He targeted any short deliveries and capitalized on loose bowling, punishing seamers like Anshul Kamboj and Ishant Bhardwaj with towering pulls and drives. His 50-run stand with Kushagra came off just 27 balls, highlighting his dominance and timing.

Haryana’s early introduction of spin through Amit Rana failed to curb Kishan’s onslaught, with the right-arm bowler conceding 48 runs in his three overs. Kishan's 20 sixes in the innings also helped him surpass the tournament record for most sixes, showcasing his unmatched hitting ability.

Kushagra Joins the Party

Kumar Kushagra, returning from modest scores in previous matches, embraced an aggressive approach from the start. He attacked Haryana's top seamers, particularly Sumit Kumar, punishing them with crisp cover drives and precise placement behind square. Kushagra’s 81 runs off 38 balls added aesthetic elegance and strategic depth to Jharkhand’s innings, ensuring the scoreboard pressure remained relentless.

The combination of Kishan’s power hitting and Kushagra’s stroke-making created an innings that was both explosive and tactically sound, leaving Haryana with little room to recover.

Minz and Anukul Seal the Victory

Despite the dismissals of Kishan and Kushagra, Jharkhand maintained momentum through Anukul Roy and Robin Minz. Roy’s 40 off 20 balls and Minz’s unbeaten 31 with three sixes in just 14 balls anchored a finishing partnership of 75 runs, cementing Jharkhand’s emphatic win. Their efforts highlighted depth in Jharkhand's batting lineup and ensured a grandstand finish for spectators.

Haryana's Brief Flicker

Yashvardhan Dalal’s blistering 53 off 19 balls and Nishant Sindhu’s 38-run cameo offered Haryana a brief glimmer of hope, keeping them in the contest during the early and mid-innings. However, Jharkhand’s disciplined bowling, led by Anukul Roy and Sushant Mishra, dismantled the opposition, ending their innings at 193 and triggering jubilant celebrations for the Jharkhand team.

The final also highlighted strategic nuances such as managing dew impact, timing of spin introduction, and handling pressure situations in high-stakes matches. Jharkhand’s victory was a testament to meticulous planning, explosive batting, and effective bowling execution, marking a historic milestone in the team’s T20 journey.

Tournament Highlights

Ishan Kishan emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer and most prolific six-hitter, reinforcing his credentials for national T20 selection. Kushagra’s resurgence underscored his importance in Jharkhand’s batting order, while Anukul Roy and Minz displayed finishing prowess. Jharkhand’s overall performance throughout the tournament demonstrated depth, resilience, and flair, culminating in a memorable maiden T20 trophy win.

The 2025-26 SMAT final not only celebrated individual brilliance but also highlighted team coordination and strategic execution, leaving fans with a thrilling contest to remember. Jharkhand’s blend of aggression, precision, and adaptability ensured their victory was emphatic, setting a benchmark for future tournaments.

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