Jharkhand set to clash with Haryana in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Final
The stage is set for an epic showdown as Jharkhand (JHR) and Haryana (HAR) gear up to battle it out in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 on Thursday, December 18 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Both teams are yet to clinch the SMAT title, ensuring that a new champion will be crowned this season.
Jharkhand’s Dominance
Jharkhand has been the most dominant side in the tournament so far, with only one loss in the Super League stage against Andhra. They have won all seven matches in the Elite Group D, establishing themselves as a formidable opponent. Led by Ishan Kishan, Jharkhand will look to overcome the final hurdle and lift the trophy.
Haryana’s Journey
On the other hand, Haryana finished second in Elite Group C and secured their spot in the final by defeating Rajasthan and Hyderabad in the Super League with a superior net run rate. Captained by Ankit Kumar, Haryana will be eager to emerge victorious in the final clash against Jharkhand.
Pitch Report
The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, once known for being a batter-friendly track, has seen a shift in recent years. Teams batting second have struggled to win international fixtures since 2020, indicating that the toss-winning team should opt to bat first. Spinners are expected to play a crucial role on the surface, making chasing a challenging task.
Predicted Playing XIs
Jharkhand: Ishan Kishan (c), Virat Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Robin Minz, Anukul Roy, Pankaj Kumar, Rajandeep Singh, Bal Krishna, Vikas Kumar, Saurabh Shekhar, Sushant Mishra
Haryana: Arsh Ranga, Ankit Kumar (c), Nishant Sindhu, Ashish Siwach, Yashvardhan Dalal (wk), Samant Jakhar, Kashyap Bakle, Sumit Kumar, Anshul Kamboj, Ishant Bhardwaj, Amit Rana
Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter: Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand, has been a standout performer in SMAT 2025. With 416 runs in nine innings at an impressive average of 52.00 and a strike rate of 195.30, Kishan will be a key player in the final as Jharkhand aims for their maiden SMAT title.
Probable Best Bowler: Anshul Kamboj
Anshul Kamboj, the pacer from Haryana, has been in top form with 20 wickets in ten matches at an average of 16.00. With an economy rate of 8.17 runs per over, Kamboj will look to deliver a match-winning performance in the final.
Match Prediction
With the pitch favoring the team batting first and both sides hungry for their first SMAT title, the final is expected to be a thrilling contest. Stay tuned to see if Jharkhand or Haryana emerges victorious in this highly anticipated clash.
Key Players to Watch Out For
Jharkhand: Virat Singh
Virat Singh, the stylish left-handed batter from Jharkhand, has been a consistent performer throughout the tournament. With his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed, Singh’s contributions have been crucial in Jharkhand’s success. His impressive strike rate and ability to build partnerships make him a player to watch out for in the final.
Haryana: Ashish Siwach
Ashish Siwach, the explosive middle-order batter from Haryana, has been a game-changer for his team. Known for his aggressive approach and big-hitting capabilities, Siwach has the potential to turn the tide of the game in Haryana’s favor. His ability to take on the bowlers from the outset and score quick runs make him a key player to keep an eye on in the final.
Team Strategies
Heading into the final, Jharkhand will rely on their strong batting lineup led by Ishan Kishan and Virat Singh to set a challenging total on the board. Their bowlers, especially Anukul Roy and Sushant Mishra, will look to exploit the spin-friendly conditions and put pressure on the Haryana batters.
On the other hand, Haryana will bank on their bowling attack, spearheaded by Anshul Kamboj and Amit Rana, to restrict the Jharkhand batsmen and pick up crucial wickets. Their middle-order, featuring Ashish Siwach and Nishant Sindhu, will be key in chasing down any target set by Jharkhand.
Historical Significance
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final holds special significance for both Jharkhand and Haryana, as a win would not only mark their first title in the tournament but also signify a breakthrough moment for their respective cricketing legacies. The clash between the two teams is not just about the trophy but also about creating a lasting impact in the domestic cricket circuit.
Final Verdict
As the anticipation builds for the final showdown between Jharkhand and Haryana, cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat with a display of talent, skill, and determination. With both teams hungry for victory and eager to etch their names in the history books, the stage is set for a memorable encounter that is sure to captivate fans and leave a lasting impression on the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Be sure to tune in to witness the drama unfold as Jharkhand and Haryana lock horns in the quest for glory in the SMAT 2025 final.
