Ishan Kishan explodes in finale as Jharkhand script history with maiden SMAT title | Cricket News
Disgraced Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan vividly recalled his T20 credentials, hammering a stunning century to lead Jharkhand to their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title with a dominant 69-run win over Haryana on Thursday. Kishan produced a breathtaking display of power, smashing 101 off just 49 balls, including 10 towering sixes and eight fours. His assault propelled Jharkhand to a massive 262 for 3, a total that proved well beyond Haryana’s reach.
After the batters set the tone, the Jharkhand bowlers ensured that there was no late bounce. Medium pacer Anukul Roy struck twice in his very first over, setting the tone for a disciplined bowling effort. Haryana were eventually bowled out for 193, despite a fighting half-century from keeper-batsman Yashvardhan Dalal, who top-scored with 53. Roy also made a telling contribution with the bat, making 40 from just 20 deliveries, adding valuable late momentum to Jharkhand’s innings. With this victory, Jharkhand became the 12th state to win India’s first domestic T20 title, marking a historic moment for the team. Asked to bat first, captain Kishan anchored the innings with authority, creating a defining 177-run partnership for the second wicket with Kumar Kushagra. While Kishan dominated the bowling, Kushagra played the perfect supporting role, hitting a quick 81 off 38 balls to keep Haryana under constant pressure. The hundred was Kishan’s second of the tournament. The 27-year-old had a remarkable campaign, finishing as top scorer with 517 runs in 10 innings with an explosive strike rate of 197.32. His purple patch has come at a crucial time, with the national selectors expected to meet soon to finalize India’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup. Kishan conjured up his century in style, launching a one-handed six over extra cover, before being bowled by Sumit Kumar in the 15th over. Kushagra followed him to the pavilion immediately afterwards. Late successes from Anukul and Robin Minz, who chipped in with 31 off 14 balls, helped Jharkhand finish strongly. The Haryana suit never really gained momentum. They got off to a nightmarish start, losing captain Ankit Kumar and Ashish Siwach as the Ducks collapsed at 2 for 1. Dalal tried to revive hopes, adding 34 runs with opener Arsh Ranga and later forging a 67-run stand with Nishant Sindhu, who scored 31. However, Anukul swung the match decisively in Jharkhand’s favor by dismissing both batters in the same set, thus ending Haryana’s resistance. Brief scores: Jharkhand 262/3 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 101, Kumar Kushagra 89; Sumit Kumar 1/41) defeated Haryana 193 in 18.3 overs (Yashvardhan Dalal 53, Samant Jakhar 38; Sushant Mishra 3/21) by 69 runs.
