In a spectacular display of power-hitting, captain Ishan Kishan led from the front to deliver Jharkhand their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy title. The final, played on December 18, 2025, saw Jharkhand defeat Haryana by a commanding margin of 69 runs, capping off a dominant campaign.
Kishan's Captain's Knock Sets Up Mammoth Total
Winning the toss and choosing to bat, Jharkhand got off to a flying start thanks to their skipper. Opening the innings, Ishan Kishan played a breathtaking knock of 101 runs off just 49 deliveries. His innings was laced with 6 fours and a staggering 10 sixes, setting the tone for a massive total. He found able allies in the middle order as the Haryana bowlers were put to the sword.
Wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra provided magnificent support with a blistering 81, forming a crucial partnership with Kishan. Valuable contributions also came from Anukul Roy (40) and Robin Minz (31), who ensured the momentum never slipped. Jharkhand finished their 20 overs at an imposing 262 for the loss of 3 wickets, one of the highest totals in a domestic T20 final in India.
Haryana's Chase Falls Short Despite Dalal's Effort
Faced with a daunting target of 263, Haryana's chase never truly gained the required momentum. While Yashvardhan Dalal fought valiantly for his 53 runs, the regular fall of wickets at the other end kept the asking rate out of reach. The Jharkhand bowling attack was disciplined and clinical in their execution.
The pick of the bowlers were Sushant Mishra and Bal Krishna, who took 3 wickets each. They were well-supported by Vikash Singh and Anukul Roy, who chipped in with 2 wickets apiece. Haryana's innings eventually folded for 193 runs in the 19th over, handing Jharkhand a comprehensive victory by 69 runs.
A Historic Triumph for Jharkhand
This victory marks a historic moment for Jharkhand cricket, as they lifted the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for the very first time. Their journey to the final was nearly flawless, having won nine consecutive matches before a minor setback against Andhra in their final Super League game. Their performance throughout the tournament, culminating in Kishan's masterclass in the final, underscores the growing depth of domestic cricket in the region.
Haryana, who had a strong campaign themselves by topping a group containing defending champions Mumbai, will be left to rue the missed opportunity in their maiden final appearance. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy continues to be a premier platform for emerging talent, with Tamil Nadu remaining the most successful side with three titles.
