Ishan Kishan and Kumar Kushagra dominate Haryana in Pune final.
Jharkhand's cricket history reached a new milestone on Thursday as the team secured their first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title. Led by a sensational performance from Ishan Kishan, the side overwhelmed Haryana by 69 runs in a high-stakes finale held in Pune. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Jharkhand cricket team, establishing them as a powerhouse in the domestic T20 circuit.
The foundation of this historic win was laid by a record-breaking batting display. After being put in to bat, Jharkhand posted a massive 262 for 3, which is now the highest-ever total in the history of the tournament's finals. The star of the show was undoubtedly Ishan Kishan, who made a loud statement to national selectors by smashing 101 runs off just 49 deliveries. His innings was a masterclass in power hitting, featuring a barrage of sixes that left the Haryana bowlers struggling for answers.
Kishan found an able partner in Kumar Kushagra, whose Kumar Kushagra batting display was equally destructive. The pair shared a monumental 177-run partnership for the second wicket. Kushagra contributed a rapid 81 off 38 balls, ensuring that the momentum never shifted. Even after the set batters departed, Robin Minz and Anukul Roy provided a grandstand finish, adding 75 runs in the final five overs to push the score beyond Haryana's reach.
Chasing a target of 263, Haryana faced an uphill battle from the start. Although Yashvardhan Dalal and Nishant Sindhu played aggressive cameos to keep the scoreboard ticking, the pressure of the mounting required run rate eventually took its toll. Jharkhand's bowlers maintained disciplined lines, with Sushant Mishra claiming 3 for 27 and Anukul Roy chipping in with vital wickets.
Haryana's innings eventually folded for 193 in the 19th over. The Jharkhand vs Haryana final concluded with joyous celebrations as the East Zone side lifted the silverware for the first time. For Ishan Kishan, finishing as the leading run-scorer of the tournament further solidifies his quest for a comeback to the national side.
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