Haryana and Jharkhand Set for Historic SMAT Final Showdown

The stage is set for a historic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 final as Haryana and Jharkhand face off on Thursday evening at the MCA Stadium in Pune. The match, scheduled to start at 4:30 PM IST, promises fireworks with both teams chasing their maiden T20 domestic title in what has been one of the most exciting editions of the tournament so far.

This will be the first time either side has made it to the final, and both have impressed throughout the campaign with fearless cricket, strong teamwork, and plenty of individual brilliance.

Haryana’s Dominant Run

Haryana have been one of the most consistent teams this season. They began their campaign in Elite Group C and finished second with 20 points, winning five of their seven matches. Under the sharp leadership of captain Ankit Kumar and coach Ajay Jadeja, the team built momentum at the perfect time.

In the Super League stage, Haryana elevated their game to another level. Their massive 124-run victory over Hyderabad on Tuesday sealed their place in the final. That dominant performance sent a strong message to opponents — Haryana mean business.

Batting first, the team piled up a huge 246 for 7 in 20 overs, one of the highest totals in SMAT history. Ankit Kumar led from the front, blasting 57 off 27 balls, while middle-order batter Samant Jakhar stole the show with a blistering 60 off just 22 deliveries. The duo’s fireworks set the tone for the innings, and useful cameos from Chaitanya Bishnoi and Himanshu Rana added to the carnage.

Their bowlers then completed the job, bundling Hyderabad out for 122 in just 16.1 overs. Amit Rana’s fiery spell of 3 for 14 ensured there was no comeback from the opposition. The all-round efficiency in both batting and bowling has been the hallmark of Haryana’s journey.

Jharkhand: A Story of Consistency

Jharkhand’s road to the final has been equally inspiring. They started in Elite Group D and were the only team in the group stage to win all seven matches, finishing first with a perfect 28 points. Their balanced side, led by India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, looked unstoppable from the start.

In the Super League, Jharkhand beat strong sides like Punjab and Madhya Pradesh to continue their winning run. Even though they suffered their first defeat of the season against Andhra Pradesh by nine runs in their last Super League fixture, their superior net run rate (+0.221) ensured they topped Group B to qualify for the final.

That loss, however, won’t dampen their spirits. Ishan Kishan, known for his aggressive batting style, remained consistent with yet another quick start in that game, scoring 35 off 18 balls. Virat Singh’s stunning 77 off 40 deliveries gave Jharkhand hope during the chase of 204, but they fell just short. Despite that, Jharkhand’s performance through the tournament has been remarkable — showing balance, unity, and immense batting depth.

Batting Firepower on Display

Thursday’s final is expected to be a high-scoring contest. Both teams have the tournament’s leading run-getters. Haryana’s Ankit Kumar tops the charts with 448 runs from 10 innings at an average of nearly 50 and a strike rate of 173. His ability to lead from the front has been crucial in team morale and momentum.

On the other side stands Ishan Kishan, the Jharkhand captain and India star, with 416 runs from nine matches at a strike rate close to 195. Kishan’s explosive starts in the powerplay have set the tone for Jharkhand throughout the campaign. He has been the team’s pillar as well as its spark, often guiding them through pressure situations.

The middle orders of both teams also feature young talents capable of taking the game away in a few overs. Samant Jakhar for Haryana and Virat Singh for Jharkhand have made a name for themselves with quickfire knocks that shift momentum instantly.

With players striking the ball cleanly and boundaries flowing on both sides, the audience can expect a thrilling, run-filled final.

Bowling Battles to Watch

While the batting units have naturally gained attention, it’s the bowlers who have quietly shaped both teams’ success. Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj has taken 20 wickets this season, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. His ability to deliver breakthroughs with the new ball and bowl sharp yorkers at the death has been crucial.

Jharkhand’s left-arm fast bowler Sushant Mishra has been equally impressive with 19 wickets at an average of just 18.47. His consistency and control in pressure moments make him a vital weapon for Kishan’s team.

The duel between these two strike bowlers could prove decisive in the final. Both teams have quality spinners too — Haryana rely on Sumit Kumar’s variations, while Jharkhand’s Shahbaz Nadeem adds experience and control in the middle overs.

What’s at Stake

For both states, the final carries huge significance beyond the trophy. A win would not just bring silverware but also immense pride and recognition in the domestic cricket circuit. Haryana have produced several India cricketers over the years, including Yuzvendra Chahal, Jayant Yadav, and Amit Mishra. A victory here would underline their depth and development at the domestic level.

Jharkhand, meanwhile, have been rising steadily in India’s cricket structure for over a decade, largely inspired by legends like MS Dhoni. This final gives them a chance to add another achievement to their growing list and showcase the state’s emerging talent.

Match Predictions and Key Factors

Toss factor: The Pune pitch has favored teams batting first in night games, so the toss could play a big role.
Powerplay impact: With big hitters like Ishan Kishan and Ankit Kumar, whichever team dominates the first six overs may seize early control.
Death overs execution: Both sides need tight bowling in the final phase, where matches are often decided in T20 cricket.
Fielding standards: Jharkhand have been sharper in the field, but Haryana’s energy and athleticism have also stood out. Small moments could swing the match.

Fans Set for an Electric Finale

Cricket fans across India are eagerly waiting for a new champion to emerge. Both teams bring youthful energy and fearless cricket to the table, promising a classic final. The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioCinema/Disney+ Hotstar, starting at 4:30 PM IST.

Pune’s MCA Stadium is expected to witness a packed crowd cheering for both sides, with neutral fans simply hoping for a thrilling end to a memorable season.

As the two unbeaten forces collide, one thing is certain — the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 will get a new name etched on its silver surface.