Robin Minz’s Rise: Jharkhand’s Finisher Shines in SMAT 2025 Final

Robin Minz emerged as a notable late-order impact player as Jharkhand clinched the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title, contributing a brisk 31* off 14 balls in the final to help his side post a match-winning 262/3 against Haryana in Pune.

Minz’s cameo came during the closing overs of an extraordinary batting display led by Ishan Kishan, whose 101 off 46 balls set the platform for Jharkhand’s record total; Kishan’s innings was backed by Kumar Kushagra (81 off 38) and a late unbeaten contribution from Anukul Roy, with Minz finishing the innings alongside Roy to push the score beyond reach for Haryana[5][3].

That 31* off 14 in the final — part of a 75-run fourth-wicket stand with Anukul Roy late in the innings — demonstrated Minz’s ability to accelerate and close out innings under pressure, a skill that is increasingly valued in T20 cricket[6][5].

Robin Minz first drew wider attention during the IPL 2024 auction, when several franchises showed interest before Gujarat Titans secured his services; his background as a promising tribal cricketer from Jharkhand has been noted in earlier coverage of his rise through domestic ranks[1].

His role in the SMAT final will likely raise his profile among selectors and IPL scouts, especially given the timing ahead of upcoming international windows and the T20 World Cup squad discussions: strong late-order contributions in high-pressure finals are often a differentiator for limited-overs selection[4][5].

Match reports and contemporaneous coverage highlighted the partnership dynamics that made Jharkhand’s total so imposing — Kishan’s record-setting century, a 177-run second-wicket stand with Kushagra, and the late acceleration from Roy and Minz that sealed a commanding 262/3 before Haryana’s chase faltered[3][6].

Local and national outlets covering the final credited Minz with the finishing touch, noting his ability to clear boundaries and rotate strike efficiently in the death overs; those attributes underpin his growing reputation in domestic T20 cricket[2][5].

Contextualizing Minz’s performance: while his 31* does not match the tournament’s leading scores, its impact was situationally significant — converting momentum created by top-order fireworks into an imposing total in the final. Observers will watch whether this showing translates into more prominent IPL roles or selection conversations at higher levels[7][4].

For fans and talent spotters, Robin Minz represents the type of emerging domestic specialist who can make brief but decisive interventions in T20 matches. His performance in the SMAT final on a national stage provides fresh evidence of that value and will likely prompt renewed attention from franchises and national selectors alike[5][6].

Note: This article is based on match reports and news coverage published contemporaneously from major Indian outlets reporting on the SMAT 2025 final, which detail Robin Minz’s unbeaten 31 in Jharkhand’s title-winning innings[5][3][6].