Jharkhand created history in the SMAT 2025 by winning their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a convincing victory over Haryana by 69 runs in Pune. A record-breaking batting show, powered by Ishan Kishan and Kumar Kushagra, proved to be far too strong for the opponents in a one-sided final.
Ishan Kishan’s Statement Knock Revives T20I Buzz
Ishan Kishan delivered a tournament-defining performance to finish off as
- The leading run-scorer in SMAT 2025
- The most prolific six-hitter of the season
The high point, of course, came in the final when Kishan belted a breathtaking 101 off mere 49 balls, stamping his authority and pushing himself firmly back into India’s T20I selection conversation.
Record Total: Jharkhand 262/3
Asked to bat first, Jharkhand went on to smash records, posting 262 for 3, the highest total ever in a T20 tournament final.
Kishan-Kushagra Jodi Dominates
An incredible 177-run partnership for the second wicket was the backbone of the innings between:
Ishan Kishan – 101 not out (49 balls)
Kumar Kushagra – 81 of (38 balls)
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Fearsome stroke-play, clean hitting, and unrelenting pressure characterized their partnership as Haryana were left with little wriggle room. The Jharkhand team smashed 20 sixes in all in an age of brutal power-hitting.
Powerplay Carnage Sets the Tone
Jharkhand’s powerplay, despite the fall of Virat Singh early in the piece:
Kishan plundered six sixes in the first six overs. Meanwhile, Jharkhand ran away to 69/1, gaining full momentum. The bowlers of Haryana looked completely baffled as both pace and spin were demolished without any tautness.
Kushagra Hails Back in Style at the Right Time
Coming off modest returns in the previous matches, Kumar Kushagra had a blast in the final:
Took just 29 balls to raise his half-century, played elegantly through cover drives, controlled power behind square. Jharkhand’s aggressive approach ensured that the team would not let up after the initial period of play was concluded.
Two late running players stepped up to secure victory for Jharkhand: Minz and Anukul. After the losses of both Kishan and Kushagra, Jharkhand were still in control of the game. Anukul Roy smashed a quick 40 runs off just 20 balls. Robin Minz scored a quick fire 31 not out from just 14 balls. In a spectacular last 29 balls the pair added to their score 75 runs, which pushed the overall score out of reach of Haryana.
Haryana Could Not Chase the 263-Run Target
Haryana was on the back foot right from the start when chasing the daunting 263 runs. Haryana was quickly reduced to 3/2 wickets. Both Yashvardhan Dalal and Nishant Sindhu put in a brief effort but ultimately, with 50 runs off 19 balls, there was no real comeback due to the disciplined bowling by Jharkhand.
Jharkhand Bowlers Finish in Style
Sushant Mishra impressed with pace and bounce, taking three wickets. Anukul Roy exploited the dry surface with some smart left-arm spin. A final nail in the coffin was provided by Bal Krishna, which lit up frenzied celebrations. Haryana were bowled out for 193 in the penultimate over.
SMAT-2025: A Landmark Moment for Jharkhand
Jharkhand’s success in SMAT 2025 had fearless batting, smart bowling, and outstanding leadership performances as the main backbones. Pipping all the other aforementioned factors is Ishan Kishan’s explosive campaign that became the defining storyline of the tournament.
Takeaway This final was not about a trophy; this was a statement. Jharkhand announced themselves as T20 powerhouses, and Ishan Kishan made the country remember how he is still one of the most dangerous white-ball batters in India.
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