SMAT 2025-26: Jharkhand Celebrates Historic Final Despite Andhra Setback

Jharkhand’s unbeaten run came to an end on Tuesday with a nine-wicket loss to Andhra in their final Super League match. Despite this setback, Ishan Kishan’s team has advanced to their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final.

With a superior Net Run Rate (NRR) of +0.221, Jharkhand topped Group B, setting the stage for a final showdown with Haryana, who surprised everyone with a 124-run victory over Hyderabad at the MCA Stadium.

Hyderabad was on a winning streak and a victory against Haryana would have secured them a spot in the final. However, their bowlers struggled on a flat pitch, allowing Haryana to capitalize.

Haryana’s innings was anchored by captain Ankit Kumar’s 57 off 27 balls and Samant Jakhar’s explosive 60 off 22 balls, leading to a total of 246 for 6. Off-spinner Amit Rana took 3 for 14, and seamer Ishant Bhardwaj claimed two wickets, dismissing Hyderabad for 122.

After conceding a large total, Hyderabad needed to score at least 195 runs to have a chance. However, Buddhi Rahul’s lone effort wasn’t enough, and Haryana managed to surpass them in NRR to earn a spot in the final.

In the Group B encounter, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s brisk 45 off 22 balls and his 2 for 32 with the ball went in vain as Jharkhand sustained its NRR to qualify for the final.

Chasing Andhra’s 204, Virat Singh (77 off 40 balls, including four fours and seven sixes) and Ishan Kishan provided a solid start with their 88-run opening partnership. However, the momentum faltered as the middle-order batters failed to perform.

The Scores:

• Andhra 203/7 in 20 overs (Nitish Kumar Reddy 45) defeated Jharkhand 194/8 in 20 overs (Virat Singh 77, Ishan Kishan 35).

• Haryana 246/7 in 20 overs (Ankit Kumar 57, Samant Jakhar 60) defeated Hyderabad 122 in 16.1 overs (Buddhi Rahul 37, Amit Rana 3/14).

Published on December 16, 2025