Jharkhand Clinched The Maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025

Jharkhand scripted history by winning their first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title in the 2025–26 season. Led by a sensational batting display from Ishan Kishan and Kumar Kushagra. Jharkhand defeated Haryana by 69 runs in the final held at Pune, marking a landmark moment in the state’s domestic cricket journey.

Final Match Overview

Venue: MCA Stadium, Pune

Final Score

• Jharkhand: 262/3
• Haryana: 193 all out

Result: Jharkhand won by 69 runs

Jharkhand’s total of 262 for 3 is the highest ever score in a T20 tournament final, setting a new benchmark in Indian domestic cricket.

Key Performers

Ishan Kishan

• Scored 101 runs off 49 balls
• Hit the most sixes in the tournament
• Finished as the leading run-scorer of SMAT 2025–26
• Played a crucial role in Jharkhand’s aggressive powerplay approach

Kumar Kushagra

• Scored 81 runs off 38 balls
• Formed a massive 177-run partnership with Kishan
• Maintained scoring momentum after the powerplay with fearless stroke play

Other Contributions

• Anukul Roy: 40* off 20 balls and 2 wickets
• Robin Minz: 31* off 14 balls
• Sushant Mishra: 3 wickets for 27 runs

Significance of the Win

• First-ever SMAT title for Jharkhand
• Jharkhand became the 12th team to win the domestic T20 crown
• First new champion since Mumbai (2022–23)
• Strengthened Ishan Kishan’s case for a return to India’s T20I setup

Background

• The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is India’s premier domestic T20 tournament, featuring teams from across the country.
• Over the years, established sides like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Mumbai have dominated the competition. Jharkhand, however, had never lifted the trophy before this season.
• The 2025-26 edition saw Jharkhand steadily build momentum, culminating in a record-breaking performance in the final.

Recent Winners

• 2017/18 – Delhi
• 2018/19 – Karnataka
• 2019/20 – Karnataka
• 2020/21 – Tamil Nadu
• 2021/22 – Tamil Nadu
• 2022/23 – Mumbai
• 2023/24 – Punjab
• 2024/25 – Mumbai
• 2025/26 – Jharkhand

Question

Q. Which team won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025–26?

A) Mumbai
B) Haryana
C) Jharkhand
D) Punjab