SMAT 2025-26, Group B: Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh qualify despite losing their last group-stage games
Jagjit Singh Sandhu’s fine all-round performance and Arjun Azad’s excellent half-century piloted Chandigarh to a four-wicket win over Hyderabad in a Group-B match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at the Eden Gardens here on Monday.
Despite the loss, Hyderabad moved into the super league stage as the group topper. Madhya Pradesh, which lost its last engagement and was tied on 16 points with Maharashtra, Goa and Jammu and Kashmir, also reached the next stage on the basis of a better net run rate.
Having ensured a place in the super league, Hyderabad opted to bat in the forenoon to give its batters some practice and managed 146 for eight. Chandigarh achieved the target with a ball to spare to end its campaign on a high.
Even though openers Tanmay Agarwal and Rishiket Sisodia fell in seamer Sandhu’s well-executed second over, Aman Rao (33, 26b, 2×4, 2×6) and Pragnay Reddy (43, 31b, 4×4, 2×6) did not mind taking risks. Despite three reprieves, Hyderabad aggregated 61 for two in the PowerPlay.
The Aman-Pragnay combination put up a 51-ball 75-run partnership before the Chandigarh bowlers’ tidy performance stifled Hyderabad.
Lanky off-spinner Chiragvir Dhindsa, who returned two for 18, mixed his length with well-controlled flight to bowl Aman and have Pragnay caught at point with fuller deliveries.
While the experienced Sandeep Sharma scalped two, disciplined seamer Rohit Dhanda dismissed one.
Tanay Thyagarajann’s useful knock (27, 23b, 2×6) benefitted Hyderabad.
Also read | Full list of teams qualified for Super League stage confirmed
Chandigarh opener Arjun (63, 48b, 8×4, 2×6) played some crisp shots on both sides. After adding 41 with Manan Vohra, who was scalped by Tanay, Arjun stood for a vital 68-run stand with Shivam Bhambri (42, 36b, 5×4).
Hyderabad bowlers took a few wickets in the death overs, but Jagjit (12 n.o., 6b, 1×4, 1×6) flexed his muscles to help Chandigarh score 12 in the thrilling final over.
Jammu and Kashmir rode on Auqib Nabi’s excellent all-round showing (32, 3/19) to beat Madhya Pradesh by 13 runs.
Maharashtra defeated Goa by 15 runs to script its fourth victory.
Bihar upset Uttar Pradesh by six wickets to post its first win.
Published on Dec 08, 2025
