Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26: Selection shake-up pays off, J&K beat Chandigarh by 29 runs

Srinagar, Dec 2: Jammu & Kashmir’s bold selection calls finally bore fruit on Tuesday as they outplayed Chandigarh by 29 runs in their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite Group clash at JU Second Campus, Salt Lake. The decision to drop the out-of-form duo of Vivrant Sharma and Musaif Aijaz, bring back T20 skipper Shubham Khajuria after injury, and hand another opportunity to Yawer Hassan, along with including all-rounder Nasir Lone, proved decisive in J&K’s all-round win.

Put into bat, J&K posted a competitive 192/10, with a strong top-order show led by the returning captain Shubham Khajuria, who struck a fluent 43 off 30, providing exactly the stability and intent J&K had been missing at the top after his injury lay-off.

But the day truly belonged to Yawer Hassan, playing only his second match of the tournament. Under pressure to justify selection, he delivered a standout 57 off 36 balls, anchoring J&K’s innings at a crucial phase. His partnerships, 52 with Khajuria, 49 with Wadhawan and 31 with Abdul Samad, helped J&K maintain momentum and set up a match-winning total.

For the first time this season, J&K’s batting looked balanced, purposeful, and free of the early collapses that had plagued their first two matches.

Yawer Hassan was declared man of the match for his batting performance.

Nasir Lone answers the call, with bat and ball

There had been growing calls for the inclusion of Nasir Lone in the playing XI, and the all-rounder justified the faith with an impactful show in both departments. Lone scored a quick 15 off 7 balls, lifting the finish after a brief slowdown in the middle overs. With the ball, he remained disciplined and provided the much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Manan Vohra, finishing with 1/29 in 4 overs.

His energy and control added depth to J&K’s bowling attack, significantly contributing to Chandigarh’s restricted chase of 163/7.

Bowling unit does the job

J&K’s bowlers backed up the strong batting performance with a collective, disciplined effort. Yudhvir Singh (2/32), Auqib Nabi (1/26), M Ashwin (1/33), and Nasir Lone ensured Chandigarh never gained momentum. The bowlers struck at regular intervals, dismantling partnerships just as they threatened to grow.

Chandigarh’s highest stand, 59 runs between Arjun Azad and Manan Vohra, was ended by Lone’s brilliance in the deep and Ashwin’s control through the middle overs.

A morale-boosting win ahead of crucial fixtures

The victory not only lifts J&K’s campaign but also strengthens the argument for consistent backing of performers like Yawer Hassan and Nasir Lone. With key games ahead in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, J&K seem to have finally found the right balance and intent.