In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan single-handedly demolished the Hyderabad bowling attack to secure Jharkhand's historic first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title. His unbeaten, record-breaking century in the final at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Sunday, October 27, 2024, will be remembered as one of the most dominant innings in the tournament's history.
Kishan's Blitzkrieg Rewrites Record Books
Chasing a challenging target of 177 set by Hyderabad, Jharkhand's hopes seemed to rest squarely on the shoulders of their star player. Ishan Kishan did not disappoint. He unleashed a ferocious assault from the very first over, reaching his fifty in just 24 balls. There was no stopping him as he continued to find the boundary with astonishing ease.
Kishan remained unbeaten on 138 runs from just 61 deliveries, an innings studded with 10 fours and 12 massive sixes. This monumental knock is now the highest individual score in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, surpassing the previous record of 122*. His partnership of 138 runs with opener Utkarsh Singh, who scored a composed 40, effectively sealed the game for Jharkhand. The team reached the target of 177 with 7 wickets in hand and 15 balls to spare, a comprehensive victory that underscored Kishan's dominance.
Hyderabad's Fighting Total In Vain
Earlier, after being put into bat, Hyderabad posted a competitive total of 176 for 7 in their 20 overs. The innings was built around a solid 72-run opening stand between Tilak Varma and Rahul Singh. Tilak Varma top-scored with a well-made 44 off 35 balls, while middle-order batter Mickil Jaiswal provided late impetus with a quickfire 38 from 20 balls.
For Jharkhand, the bowling was disciplined. Pacer Ashish Kumar was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 32 runs. Spinner Anukul Roy and pacer Vikash Singh also chipped in with two wickets each, ensuring Hyderabad's total, while good, was not insurmountable on a true batting surface.
A Landmark Victory for Jharkhand Cricket
This victory marks a watershed moment for cricket in Jharkhand. The state, which has produced world-class talents like MS Dhoni, had never before clinched the domestic T20 championship. Under the leadership of captain Ishan Kishan, the team displayed remarkable consistency and fighting spirit throughout the tournament, culminating in this emphatic win in the final.
The triumph is a testament to the growing depth of domestic cricket in India. For Ishan Kishan, this innings serves as a powerful reminder of his destructive capabilities, especially after being in and out of the national team setup. His performance not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also likely the Player of the Tournament honour, solidifying his reputation as one of the most feared white-ball batters in the country.
The scenes of celebration from the Jharkhand camp highlighted the significance of this maiden title. It is a victory that will inspire a new generation of cricketers in the region and adds a prestigious trophy to the state's cricketing legacy.
