• Ishan Kishan delivered a career-defining performance, by smashing a sensational 45-ball century to lead Jharkhand to their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title.

  • The target proved insurmountable for Haryana as they were bundled out for 193 in 18.3 overs.

Fans celebrate as Ishan Kishan leads Jharkhand to maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy glory with a dominant win over Haryana in 2025 Final
Ishan Kishan and Jharkhand (Image Source: X)

On December 18, 2025, Ishan Kishan delivered a career-defining performance, smashing a sensational 45-ball century to lead Jharkhand to their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title. Captaining his side at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, the southpaw unleashed an unrelenting assault on the Haryana bowlers, turning a precarious start into a historic victory.

After losing opener Virat Singh in the first over, Kishan combined power with tactical precision to anchor a record-shattering innings. His performance, which culminated in a massive team total of 262/3, has not only secured silverware for Jharkhand but also served as a powerful statement of intent to the national selectors as India prepares for its next international cycle.

The Kishan-Kumar Kushagra carnage for Haryana in SMAT 2025 final: A record-breaking stand

The centerpiece of Jharkhand’s historic win was a breathtaking 177-run partnership for the second wicket between Ishan Kishan and the young wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra. This stand set a new record as the highest-ever partnership in the history of a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, completely deflating the Haryana bowling attack after their early breakthrough.

While Kishan was the primary aggressor, reaching his fifty in just 24 balls, Kushagra provided formidable support by bludgeoning 81 off 38 deliveries, including 8 fours and 5 sixes. Their chemistry was flawless; they rotated the strike with clinical efficiency before launching into a barrage of 20 sixes collectively that left the fielders in the deep as mere spectators. By the time the partnership was finally broken in the 15th over, Jharkhand had surged past the 180-run mark, laying the foundation for the highest total ever recorded in a T20 tournament final globally.

Ishan Kishan’s masterclass in the SMAT 2025 final against Haryana

Kishan’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive boundary-hitting, as he finished with 101 runs off just 49 balls, striking at a phenomenal 206.12. His knock was highlighted by 10 towering sixes, the most ever by a single batter in an SMAT final, and 6 boundaries, including a signature one-handed six over extra cover to reach his milestone.

This was Kishan’s second century of the 2025 campaign, following his 113* against Tripura, making him the leading run-scorer of the tournament with a total of 517 runs at an average of 57.44. Jharkhand’s final score of 262/3 became the fifth-highest total in SMAT history and was bolstered further by late flourishes from Anukul Roy (40 off 20*) and Robin Minz (31 off 14*). Haryana’s bowlers faced a difficult afternoon, with Anshul Kamboj and Sumit Kumar both conceding over 40 runs in their respective spells as the Jharkhand batters targeted every inch of the Pune ground.

Also READ: Fans erupt as Ishan Kishan lights up MCA stadium with explosive 45-ball hundred for Jharkhand in SMAT 2025 final vs Haryana

Jharkhand’s maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy title

This victory marks Jharkhand’s second senior domestic crown and their first in the T20 format, adding a historic chapter to the state’s cricketing legacy. Despite a spirited counter-attack from Haryana’s Yashvardhan Dalal, who struck a whirlwind 22-ball 53, the target proved insurmountable as they were bundled out for 193 in 18.3 overs.

Jharkhand’s bowlers, led by Sushant Mishra (3/27) and Anukul (2/42), maintained discipline under pressure to secure a comprehensive 69-run win. For Kishan, the trophy serves as the perfect conclusion to a redemption season after his prolonged absence from the national setup. Finishing the tournament with the most sixes (32) and the highest run-tally, he has forced his way back into the spotlight just as India prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

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