Punjab vs Jharkhand Highlights, SMAT 2025-26 Super League: JHK Registers Run Chase in History

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has seen some exceptional batting performances, with teams fearlessly chasing big scores. Over the years, domestic teams have changed the landscape of T20 cricket by playing daring shots without hesitation.

From nail-biting last-over victories to powerful batting performances, teams in this tournament have achieved goals that were once considered impossible. These matches are a testament to how exciting the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has become and how strong India’s batting talent has become.

Jharkhand Pull Off Highest Run Chase in SMAT History, Beat Punjab in Record Thriller

The biggest and most recent successful run chase in the history of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy took place in 2025. Jharkhand chased a huge target of 236 runs against Punjab at the DY Patil Academy in Pune. For Punjab, Salil Arora played a brilliant innings of 125 runs in just 39 balls, which gave his team a big score. However, the bowlers failed to defend the runs.

Jharkhand started with a bang with a batting performance. Captain Ishan Kishan played a quick innings of 47 runs in 23 balls. Then Kumar Kushagre took charge. He played a calm and mature unbeaten innings of 86 runs in 42 balls. Anukul Roy and Pankaj Kumar finished the job. On a thrilling night in Pune, Jharkhand won with 11 balls to spare.

The winning moment came in the 19th over. Pankaj Kumar hit Ayush Goyal for a six off the very first ball. The shot sealed the match at the DY Patil Academy Ground in Ambi. As Pankaj walked towards Kushagra, he probably didn’t realise that he had just created history. The fine leg of six overs completed the most successful run chase in the history of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Jharkhand scored 237 runs with six wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare. The previous record was 230 runs by Mumbai against Andhra in 2024. The victory was Jharkhand’s eighth consecutive victory. They had won all their seven group stage matches. Ishan Kishan provided the initial momentum for the team and added 60 runs off just 29 balls with Kushagra. His innings ended when he was dismissed by Ramandeep Singh.

Kushagra then took control of the run chase. He played some excellent shots on the off-side. He used the ground from long-off to third man very well. He specifically targeted Sanvir Singh and scored 28 runs off him in just 13 balls. Then, Kushagra put on a strong partnership with Anukul Roy. They added 66 runs for the fourth wicket. Roy played a quick innings of 37 runs off 17 balls. When Roy got out, Jharkhand needed 70 runs off 41 balls to win. Kushagra and Pankaj finally stayed at the crease and calmly completed the chase.

In the end, Jharkhand created history, and Salil Arora’s devastating innings of 125 runs for Punjab went in vain.

Highest successful run chases in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

• Target: 236 – Jharkhand (237/4) beat Punjab – Ambi – December 2025
• Target: 230 – Mumbai (233/6) beat Andhra – Hyderabad – December 2024
• Target: 227 – Pondicherry (228/6) beat Andhra – Mumbai – January 2021
• Target: 223 – Baroda (224/3) beat Punjab – Hyderabad – December 2025
• Target: 222 – Baroda (222/7) beat Tamil Nadu – Indore – November 2024

Indian Domestic Talents to Watch in IPL 2026 Auction

Punjab may have lost the match, but this day will be special for Salil Arora. He scored a century just as the IPL 2026 auction is scheduled to take place on December 16. This powerful innings has put him in the spotlight. Big teams like Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, who love to recruit young players, may take an interest in him and bid for him.

Apart from Salil, many other young players are performing well in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Their good form has helped them catch the attention of IPL scouts. Another talented Punjab player, Anmolpreet Singh, has also performed well and can fetch a good price in this auction.

Conclusion

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is the key to reach the Indian Premier League. It gives a chance to succeed in the IPL auction. Jharkhand players will get more opportunities in the auction. A good performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is beneficial for the future of these players.

Read More: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Creates History: Breaks World Record by Scoring 171 Runs in Under-19 Asia Cup Match Against UAE

FAQs: Questions & Answers

Q1. What makes this chase historic in Indian domestic cricket?

This is a historic chase because the target is very high and Jharkhand chased it very quickly.

Q2.Who plays the key role in this historic chase?

Jharkhand’s young batsmen played a key role in chasing this historic target. Ishan Kishan also played very fast in this match.

Q3.How does this historic chase help players in the IPL 2026 auction?

This historic chase will play a major role in the IPL auctions as IPL teams will take note of this performance.

Q4. Which tournament features this historic chase?

This historic chase takes place in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, a major domestic T20 tournament in India.

Q5.Why do IPL teams value performances in such chases?

IPL teams like players who perform under pressure. The historic target chase proves that a player can handle big moments.