Ishan Kishan delivered a performance for the ages when it mattered the most. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 final, the Jharkhand captain played a breathtaking knock that not only sealed his team’s maiden title but also reignited conversations around his return to India’s T20I squad.
The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter dominated the Haryana attack with fearless hitting and calm leadership, proving why he remains one of India’s most dangerous T20 batters.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Title: Ishan Kishan Century in SMAT Final
Kishan smashed a sensational 101 off just 49 balls in the final. His innings featured 10 towering sixes and 6 crisp fours. He controlled the game from the start and never allowed the bowlers to settle.
The hundred was Kishan’s fifth in SMAT history, equalling Abhishek Sharma. It was also his second century of the tournament, underlining his remarkable consistency.
Jharkhand Post Record-Breaking Total
Batting first, Jharkhand posted a massive 262 for 3 in 20 overs. It proved far beyond Haryana’s reach.
Kishan stitched a match-defining 177-run partnership with Kumar Kushagra for the second wicket. Kushagra played the perfect supporting role, hammering a rapid 81 off 38 balls. Together, they dismantled the Haryana bowling attack.
Late cameos from Anukul Roy (40 off 20 balls) and Robin Minz (31 off 14) ensured Jharkhand finished with momentum.
SMAT 2025 Final: Haryana’s Chase Falters
Haryana’s reply never gained traction. The chase began on a disastrous note as skipper Ankit Kumar and Ashish Siwach fell for ducks, leaving the team reeling early.
Yashvardhan Dalal tried to revive the innings with a fighting 53. He added partnerships with Arsh Ranga and Nishant Sindhu. However, Anukul Roy turned the match decisively by dismissing both set batters in the same over.
Haryana folded for 193 in 18.3 overs, handing Jharkhand a commanding 69-run victory.
Ishan Kishan’s Tournament Numbers Turn Heads
Kishan finished SMAT 2025 as the tournament’s highest run-scorer. He amassed 517 runs in 10 innings at a staggering strike rate of 197.32.
He also hit 33 sixes in the tournament. This is the most by a designated wicketkeeper-captain in any T20 competition, domestic or international. Earlier, MS Dhoni and Nicholas Pooran jointly held the record with 30 sixes.
T20I Recall Debate Gathers Pace
Kishan last featured for India in a T20I in 2023. Since then, he has played for India A while remaining behind Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma in the pecking order.
This SMAT campaign could change that. The timing is perfect, with selectors set to meet soon to finalise India’s T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series and the T20 World Cup.
Jharkhand Creates History
Jharkhand became the 12th team to win India’s premier domestic T20 tournament. The title win marked a landmark moment for the state and showcased the rise of a confident, fearless unit under Kishan’s leadership.
Brief Scores
- Jharkhand 262/3 in 20 overs
- Haryana 193 all out in 18.3 overs
