The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 Final: Jharkhand vs Haryana
The highly anticipated final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 is set to take place between Jharkhand (JHR) and Haryana (HAR) on Thursday, December 18 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Both teams are vying for their first-ever SMAT title, ensuring the emergence of a new champion this season.
Jharkhand’s Dominance:
Jharkhand has been the standout team of the tournament, with only one loss in the Super League stage against Andhra. They have recorded victories in all seven matches in the Elite Group D, making them a formidable opponent in the final. Led by Ishan Kishan, Jharkhand will aim to overcome the final hurdle and lift the coveted trophy.
Haryana’s Journey:
On the other hand, Haryana finished second in their 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 is determined to clinch their maiden SMAT title by overcoming Jharkhand in the final showdown.
Match Details:
MCA Stadium, Pune — Pitch Report: The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium has seen a shift in favor of bowlers since 2020, with teams struggling to chase down targets. The team winning the toss is likely to opt for batting first on a surface that offers assistance to spinners in the latter stages of the match.
Predicted Playing 11s:
Jharkhand (JHR):
Ishan Kishan (captain & wicketkeeper), Virat Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Robin Minz, Anukul Roy, Pankaj Kumar, Rajandeep Singh, Bal Krishna, Vikas Kumar, Saurabh Shekhar, Sushant Mishra
Haryana (HAR):
Arsh Ranga, Ankit Kumar (captain), Nishant Sindhu, Ashish Siwach, Yashvardhan Dalal (wicketkeeper), Samant Jakhar, Kashyap Bakle, Sumit Kumar, Anshul Kamboj, Ishant Bhardwaj, Amit Rana
Probable Best Performers:
Probable Best Batter — Ishan Kishan:
Jharkhand’s captain Ishan Kishan has been in outstanding form, scoring 416 runs in nine innings at an impressive average of 52.00. He will be a key player in the final, aiming to lead his team to victory.
Probable Best Bowler — Anshul Kamboj:
Haryana’s Anshul Kamboj has been exceptional with the ball, picking up 20 wickets in ten matches at an average of 16.00. His performance will be crucial in restricting Jharkhand’s strong batting lineup.
Today Match Prediction:
Considering the pitch conditions and team strengths, the side batting first is likely to have the upper hand in the final. The battle between Jharkhand and Haryana promises to be an enthralling contest as both teams compete for their maiden SMAT title.
Key Players to Watch Out For:
Exciting Young Talent – Virat Singh:
Virat Singh, the promising young batsman from Jharkhand, has showcased his talent throughout the tournament, scoring crucial runs for his team. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a player to watch out for in the final.
All-Round Impact – Anukul Roy:
Anukul Roy’s all-round abilities have been instrumental in Jharkhand’s success so far. Not only has he been effective with the ball, but his contributions with the bat lower down the order have proved crucial in tight situations. His performance in the final could be a game-changer for Jharkhand.
Consistent Performer – Nishant Sindhu:
Haryana’s Nishant Sindhu has been a consistent performer with the bat, anchoring the innings and providing stability to the top order. His ability to build partnerships and rotate the strike could be key for Haryana in the final.
Strategies and Tactics:
Both teams are likely to rely on their spinners in the final, considering the pitch conditions at the MCA Stadium in Pune. With spin playing a crucial role, captains Ishan Kishan and Ankit Kumar will have to strategize effectively to maximize the impact of their spin bowlers and exploit any weaknesses in the opposition’s batting lineup.
Additionally, the powerplay overs could be pivotal in setting the tone for the final. Teams will look to capitalize on the fielding restrictions and build a solid platform in the early stages of the innings. Aggressive batting or disciplined bowling during this phase could set the momentum for the rest of the match.
Final Outcome Prediction:
With both Jharkhand and Haryana possessing a strong mix of experienced players and emerging talents, the final is expected to be a closely contested encounter. While Jharkhand may have a slight edge due to their dominant run in the tournament so far, Haryana’s resilience and determination cannot be discounted.
Ultimately, the team that can handle the pressure of the final, adapt to the conditions effectively, and execute their plans with precision is likely to emerge victorious. Cricket fans can look forward to an intense battle between two hungry sides eager to etch their names in the history books as SMAT champions for the first time.
As the excitement builds up for the SMAT 2025 final between Jharkhand and Haryana, cricket enthusiasts can expect a thrilling clash of skills, strategies, and passion on the field. The culmination of weeks of hard-fought matches, unexpected twists, and standout performances, the final promises to be a fitting conclusion to an exhilarating tournament.
