MATCH PREVIEW: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26: J&K take on Bihar today

Srinagar, Nov 29: After a heavy 109-run defeat to Uttar Pradesh in their second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match, Jammu & Kashmir will look to regain momentum when they face Bihar on Sunday at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The contest offers J&K a strong opportunity not only to return to winning ways but also to improve their net run rate, which has dipped to -2.489 after the loss, standing at number 7 in the points table with 4 points in the Elite Group B category.

J&K had started their campaign on a positive note, defeating Maharashtra by 5 wickets in their opening match. However, the second outing was a stark contrast, as UP posted 193/6. In reply, J&K’s batting collapsed to 84/9 in 15.3 overs.

Selection puzzle for J&K

With skipper Shubham Khajuria ruled out after sustaining a wrist injury while fielding against UP and unlikely to feature in today’s match, J&K are forced to rethink their combination. His absence opens space for a shuffle in the batting order and, more importantly, potential personnel changes.

Notably, the 15-member squad offers limited batting depth, making today’s selection particularly intriguing. Yawer Hassan is expected to make the XI, given his form and ability. To bring him in, J&K would typically have had to rest either Musaif Ajaz or Vivrant Sharma, both of whom have struggled in the tournament. However, with Khajuria injured, dropping both Musaif and Vivrant now appears unlikely unless Nasir Lone is drafted into the playing XI.

Though primarily selected as an all-rounder, Nasir could be used to strengthen the batting. If included, he may be pushed up the order, especially given the cold returns from Vivrant and Musaif so far.

Bowling needs sharper execution

On the bowling front, J&K will expect a more disciplined performance. Umran Malik showed glimpses of rhythm despite going for runs, but Yudhvir Singh and Auqib Nabi will need to regain control after an expensive outing against UP. Abid Mushtaq, crucial in the middle overs, will again shoulder the spin-bowling responsibilities along with lower-order stability.

Opposition and expectations

While Bihar are considered a comparatively easier opponent on paper, J&K are aware that T20 cricket is unforgiving. Former J&K skipper Samiullah Beigh cautioned against complacency, saying,

“Bihar is a comparatively easier team to beat, but in T20 cricket, on a given day any team can be the winner.” Beigh added, “Expecting J&K to win and improve their run rate as well.”

After a loss in their previous match, J&K will be eager to produce a clinical, all-round performance, one that reasserts their strengths and boosts their net run rate in the group standings.

A confident, composed approach with clearer selection calls could be key as J&K aim to return to winning ways at Eden Gardens today.