In a spectacular display of power-hitting, Ishan Kishan announced his return to form in grand style, leading Jharkhand to a historic first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. The out-of-favour India wicketkeeper-batter hammered a breathtaking century to set up a dominant 69-run victory over Haryana in the final on Thursday.
Kishan and Kushagra's Record-Breaking Stand
Asked to bat first, Jharkhand captain Ishan Kishan took charge from the outset. He anchored the innings with sheer authority, forging a match-defining partnership of 177 runs for the second wicket with the young Kumar Kushagra. While Kishan was the dominant force, Kushagra played a perfect supporting role, scoring a rapid 81 off just 38 balls to keep the Haryana bowlers under relentless pressure.
Kishan's innings was a masterclass in T20 batting. He reached his century in spectacular fashion, launching a one-handed six over extra cover. His knock of 101 runs came off only 49 deliveries, packed with 10 massive sixes and 8 fours. This was his second hundred of the tournament, capping off a remarkable campaign where he finished as the leading run-scorer with 517 runs from 10 innings at a staggering strike rate of 197.32.
Jharkhand's Commanding Total and Haryana's Feeble Chase
Late flourishes from Anukul Roy, who blasted 40 off 20 balls, and Robin Minz (31 off 14) propelled Jharkhand to a mammoth total of 262 for 3 in their 20 overs. Facing a daunting target, Haryana's chase never gained momentum. They suffered an early collapse, losing their captain Ankit Kumar and Ashish Siwach for ducks in the first over, slumping to 2 for 1.
Wicketkeeper-batter Yashvardhan Dalal offered some resistance with a fighting 53, and shared a 67-run stand with Nishant Sindhu (31). However, the match swung decisively in Jharkhand's favour when medium-pacer Anukul Roy struck twice in a single over, removing both set batters. Haryana were eventually bowled out for 193 in 18.3 overs, with Sushant Mishra claiming 3 for 21.
A Historic Victory and National Implications
This victory marks a historic moment for Jharkhand cricket, as they become the 12th state team to lift India's premier domestic T20 trophy. For Ishan Kishan, this purple patch arrives at a crucial juncture. With national selectors set to meet soon to finalize squads for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand and the T20 World Cup, his explosive form serves as a powerful reminder of his match-winning abilities in the shortest format.
The comprehensive win was built on a complete team performance: a fiery top-order led by Kishan, valuable late-order contributions, and a disciplined bowling effort that never allowed Haryana a way back into the contest.
