🏏 Haryana Crush Hyderabad, Set Final vs Jharkhand

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Key Takeaways

1📊 Haryana posts 230+ again, wins by 124 runs
2🏆 Final vs Jharkhand set for Dec 18 Pune
3💡 Ankit Kumar: 57/27 with 6 sixes, SR 212
4🔮 NRR boost seals top spot over Mumbai, Hyderabad
5💬 Nitish Reddy: 45 & 2 wkts in vain for Hyderabad

"Ajinkya Rahane hit 72* against Rajasthan but Mumbai missed out on a final spot"

Haryana delivered a smashing 124-run victory over Hyderabad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super League, securing top spot in Group B and a blockbuster final clash with Jharkhand on December 18 in Pune. Captain Ankit Kumar's blistering 57 off 27—packed with six sixes—propelled Haryana to over 230 for the second straight game, this time converting it into a net run-rate triumph. All three teams ended on eight points, but Haryana's dominance clinched the berth, coinciding with the IPL 2026 auction buzz.

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy's white-ball frenzy mirrors T20's evolution, with Haryana channeling IPL aggression. Ankit Kumar, leading from front, boasts a domestic strike rate exceeding 150 in recent seasons. Hyderabad, despite talents like Nitish Kumar Reddy (45 & 2 wickets), crumbled chasing. This sets up a final pitting Jharkhand's consistency against Haryana's firepower, echoing 2023's high-scoring thrillers where totals topped 250.

Ankit's Onslaught: Power-Hitting Redefines SMAT

Haryana's innings exploded with Ankit Kumar's last nine scoring shots all boundaries, posting 230+—a 25% leap from group stages. Hyderabad managed just 106, their lowest Super League total, with Haryana's bowlers claiming 10 wickets under 25 overs. Compare to Punjab's 2024 rampage (248/5); Ankit's 212 strike rate rivals Andre Russell. This win boosts Haryana's NRR by +1.5, historically correlating to 80% final success in SMAT.

Final Showdown: Jharkhand vs Haryana Title Tilt

Haryana and Jharkhand—both unbeaten in knockouts—promise a run-fest, impacting domestic pecking order for IPL 2026 retentions. Mumbai's Ajinkya Rahane (72* vs Rajasthan) watched from sidelines, highlighting ruthlessness. Standings finalized, this elevates Haryana from underdogs to contenders, akin to Tamil Nadu's 2022 surge.

Pune Finale: Trophy Destiny Awaits

December 18's decider at Pune could crown new T20 kings, with Haryana's momentum vs Jharkhand's steel. Fans, tune in for boundary deluge and emerging stars shining ahead of IPL.