SMAT: Kumar Kushagra's 86-run blitz helps Jharkhand pull off highest-ever chase in tournament's history

Jharkhand's star wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra proved his batting might in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 clash against Punjab right ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Kumar Kushagra stars in Jharkhand's historic chase against Punjab

Kushagra dampened Salil Arora's blistering century and smashed an unbeaten 86 runs off just 42 deliveries, leading Jharkhand to a six-wicket victory over Punjab. This was no ordinary win, Jharkhand successfully chased down a massive target of 236 runs in just 18.1 overs, marking the highest-ever successful run chase in the history of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s premier domestic T20 tournament. He recently cracked a double century against Baroda in the Ranji Trophy.

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Jharkhand record highest-ever chase in SMAT history

The chase was a collective high-speed effort, ignited by captain Ishan Kishan’s 23-ball 47, which set up a 60-run opening stand with Kushagra. Although Kishan couldn't convert his start, Kushagra anchored the innings, forming a blistering 66-run partnership with Anukul Roy, who contributed 37 off 17 balls. Kushagra, whose innings included eight fours and four sixes, remained unbeaten to guide his team home. He finished the game alongside number six batter Pankaj Kumar, who blasted 39 off 18 balls, sharing an explosive, match-winning 71-run stand that came off just 30 deliveries.

Salil Arora's stormy ton goes in vain

Punjab set a formidable target on a flat pitch, driven largely by Salil Arora’s spectacular knock of 125 off 45 balls. While the innings helped Punjab post a commanding total of 235 for 6 in their 20 overs, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to provide significant support; no other batter, including Punjab Kings star Prabhsimran Singh, managed to cross the 30-run mark, and Mumbai Indians’ Naman Dhir contributed a modest 27 off 22 balls. Despite the huge total posted in the absence of Abhishek Sharma, it ultimately proved insufficient to hold off the opposition.

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The successful chase highlighted the current form of Kumar Kushagra, who has been instrumental in Jharkhand’s flawless campaign in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With the team securing eight wins in as many matches, Kushagra has been a standout performer, amassing 316 runs across seven matches. His contributions include three half-centuries, all scored at an impressive strike rate of 156.43.

Kushagra first hogged limelight after earning a spot in the Indian squad that finished as runners-up in the 2022 Under-19 World Cup. Although his returns in that tournament were modest, he solidified his reputation through consistency in domestic cricket. He made major headlines during the 2021–22 Ranji Trophy season by scoring a commanding 266 against Nagaland in a preliminary quarter-final, an innings that showcased his ability to perform under pressure early in his first-class career.

This potential sparked a bidding war ahead of the 2024 IPL season, where Delhi Capitals roped him in for a massive Rs 7.20 crore. While his debut season yielded limited results, Gujarat Titans saw his long-term value, acquiring him in the 2025 auction and subsequently retaining him for the 2026 season.