Ishan Kishan Creates History, Becomes First Captain to Score Century in SMAT Final

Ishan Kishan once again underlined his dominance in India’s domestic circuit with a blistering century for Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 final against.

Haryana at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday, December 18. Asked to bat first, Jharkhand suffered an early setback when Anshul Kamboj dismissed Virat Singh in the opening over. However, any hopes Haryana had of capitalising on the breakthrough were quickly dashed as Kishan launched a ferocious counterattack.

Batting alongside Kumar Kushagra, the Jharkhand captain showed no signs of restraint. Kishan raced to 46 by the end of the powerplay, repeatedly targeting the long-on region as Haryana’s bowlers continued to err on the fuller side. Amit Rana endured a particularly expensive eighth over, conceding 19 runs as Kishan struck three boundaries and a six.

As Kishan briefly eased off, Kushagra took charge to maintain the scoring rate, and the pair powered Jharkhand past the 150-run partnership mark. The onslaught resumed soon after, and Kishan brought up his century in the 14th over with an audacious one-handed slog over the covers.

Notably, BCCI selectors Pragyan Ojha and RP Singh were present in the stands as Kishan’s innings unfolded, adding further intrigue to the knock amid questions over his national team prospects.

Kishan’s innings eventually ended when Sumit Kumar bowled a slower delivery into the blockhole, but by then the damage had been done.

Key Stats

Ishan Kishan became only the second batter after Anmolpreet Singh to score a century in an SMAT final — and the first captain to achieve the feat

Kishan and Kumar Kushagra’s 177-run partnership is the highest in an SMAT final and the seventh-highest in the tournament’s history

Kishan now shares the record for most SMAT centuries (5) with Abhishek Sharma

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