SYED MUSHTAQ ALI TROPHY-2025-26: J&K start campaign with commanding win over Maharashtra

Srinagar, Nov 26: Jammu & Kashmir began their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025–26 campaign on a winning note, defeating Maharashtra by five wickets in a disciplined all-round display at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest 131, J&K reached 132/5 in 18.4 overs, riding on steady contributions from the top order and a calm finish from wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan (19* off 11) and all-rounder Abid Mushtaq (18* off 9), whose late burst sealed the chase without panic.

Earlier, J&K bowlers set up the match with a clinical performance after opting to field first. Auqib Nabi struck early, picking the in-form batter and man in focus, Prithvi Shaw, finishing with impressive figures of 3/28, while the pace trio of Yudhvir Singh and Umran Malik backed him with tight spells and wickets that kept Maharashtra from breaking free at any stage.

Left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq was the standout performer of the innings, picking up two wickets and applying constant pressure through the middle overs. His dismissals of Arshin Kulkarni and R R Nikam broke Maharashtra’s momentum, restricting them to 130 in 19.5 overs.

For Maharashtra, Vicky Ostwal (21) and Arshin Kulkarni (20) offered brief resistance, but regular wickets kept them from posting a competitive total.

In reply, J&K’s chase was anchored by openers Qamran Iqbal (28 off 27) and skipper Shubham Khajuria (26 off 26), who provided an assured 48-run stand. Abdul Samad’s 20 off 16 kept the scoreboard moving before the lower order completed the formalities.

Abid Mushtaq was adjudged Player of the Match for his decisive all-round show, 2/26 with the ball and an unbeaten 18 during the chase.

With this win, J&K have made a confident start to their T20 season, fetching four points for their first win. In the next game J&K will face Uttar Pradesh on 28 Nov at JU Second Campus, Salt Lake, Kolkata.