Ishan and Virat’s strong 88-run partnership goes unrewarded as Jharkhand reach SMAT final despite narrow loss to Andhra Pradesh

Jharkhand sealed their berth for the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) after topping Super League Group A, despite a narrow nine-run defeat against Andhra at DY Patil College Ground, Ambi Talegaon. 

The last match of Group A was a thrilling contest, producing a total of 397 runs, which is the highest aggregate in T20S between these two sides.

Andhra's batting

Batting first, Andhra posted a mammoth 203 for 7 in 20 overs with a collective batting effort and after that they restricted Jharkhand to 194 for 8, earning a consolation win. Despite the loss, Jharkhand finished at the top of the table with a net run rate of +0.221, while Andhra ended with -0.113.

Nitish Kumar Reddu scored 45 off 22

For Andhra, Nitish Kumar Reddy was the star performer, smashing 45 off 22 balls and taking 2 wickets for 32 runs. Andhra started quickly, reaching 61 in the first five overs, with openers Srikar Bharat (35) and Ashwin Hebbar (30) setting the tone.

After quick wickets for Hebbar and M Hemanth Reddy, Nitish stepped up, hitting six fours and two sixes to take Andhra to 134 for 4 in the 13th over. Support from Ricky Bhui (19), Pyla Avinash (20), and Saurabh Kumar (16) helped Andhra cross the 200-mark.

Jhanrkand's batting collapsed after the opening stand

Chasing 204, Jharkhand looked strong early on, with skipper Ishan Kishan (35) and Virat (77 off 40 balls) putting together an 88-run partnership in just 6.5 overs.

However, a late collapse saw Jharkhand lose their last four wickets for just 24 runs, falling short of the target.

Brief scores

Andhra 203 for 7 in 20 overs (Nitish Kumar Reddy 45; Anukul Roy 2/30) beat Jharkhand 194 for 8 in 20 overs (Virat Singh 77; Nitish Reddy 2/32, Saurabh Kumar 2/21) by nine runs.