Jharkhand Shatters Records with Epic Chase Over Punjab in SMAT 2025 Thriller!

In a historic clash at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26 Super League, Jharkhand pulled off the highest successful run chase in tournament history, defeating Punjab by six wickets with 11 balls to spare at DY Patil Academy ground in Pune.[4][5]

Punjab, powered by Salil Arora's explosive unbeaten 125 off just 45 balls (9 fours, 11 sixes), posted a formidable 235/6 in 20 overs after slumping to 28/2 early on. Arora's century came off 39 balls, including a brutal final over against Sushant Mishra with three sixes and a four, drawing attention from IPL scouts ahead of the mini-auction.[4][5]

Chasing 236, Jharkhand's batters fired in unison. Skipper Ishan Kishan smashed 47 off 23 balls, setting the tone, while Anukul Roy contributed 37 off 17. Crucially, Kumar Kushagra anchored with an unbeaten 82 (or 86*) off 46 balls, partnering with Pankaj Kumar (39 off 18) for an unbroken stand that sealed the victory at 237/4 in 18.1 overs. Pankaj's flicked six off the first ball of the 19th over clinched the record-breaking win, surpassing Mumbai's 230 chase against Andhra in 2024.[4][5][6]

This triumph marks Jharkhand's eighth straight win, including all seven group-stage matches, propelling them strongly in the Super League. Punjab skipper Prabhsimran Singh kept wickets, but Arora's heroics couldn't prevent the collapse in defense.[4][5]

Brief scores: Punjab 235/6 (Salil Arora 125*; Sushant Mishra 2/47) lost to Jharkhand 237/4 (Kumar Kushagra 82*/86*, Ishan Kishan 47, Anukul Roy 37, Pankaj Kumar 39) by 6 wickets in 18.1 overs.[4][5]

The match, reported on December 12, 2025, has sparked jubilation, with BCCI Domestic highlighting the raw emotions of joy and history on social media.[5]