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Punjab's Thrilling Chase: How They Clinched Victory in Final Over Drama

Punjab pulled off a nail-biting chase against Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Chasing a huge target of 226, they got home with just two wickets and a ball to spare. The win was set up by Harnoor Singh's explosive start and sealed by Ramandeep Singh's brilliant all-round performance. Ramandeep was rightly named Player of the Match for his crucial late hitting and wickets.

Key Points: Punjab Beat Madhya Pradesh in High-Scoring SMAT Thriller

  • Venkatesh Iyer's explosive 70 off 43 balls powered MP to 225/8
  • Harnoor Singh gave Punjab a flying start with a 36-ball 64
  • All-rounder Ramandeep Singh sealed the win with an unbeaten 35 and took 2 wickets
  • Punjab chased the 226 target with a ball to spare in a last-over thriller
2 min read

Punjab clinch thrilling two-wicket win in high-scoring SMAT clash against Madhya Pradesh

Punjab chased down 226 to beat Madhya Pradesh by two wickets in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy thriller, sealed by Ramandeep Singh in the final over.

"He scored 17 runs in the 19th over and then smashed a six off the first ball of the last over to get Punjab over the finishing line. - Match Report"

Pune, December 16

Punjab pulled off a thrilling two-wicket victory over Madhya Pradesh (MP) in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 Super League Group A clash at the DY Patil Academy, Pune, on Tuesday. In a match to remember, Punjab chased down a challenging target of 226, thanks to stellar performances by Harnoor Singh, Salil Arora, and Ramandeep Singh, sealing the win in the final over of an edge-of-the-seat contest.

Put into bat, Madhya Pradesh posted a formidable 225 for 8 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by an attacking 70 off 43 balls from Venkatesh Iyer, featuring eight fours and two sixes, which kept the run rate high even after an early wicket.

Punjab were also helped by a late flurry of runs from Aniket Verma (31 off 16 balls) and Mangesh Yadav (28 off 12 balls), who kept the scoreboard ticking relentlessly in the death overs.

For Punjab, pacer Gurnoor Brar (3-45) and all-rounder Ramandeep Singh (2-38) were the most successful bowlers. However, the sheer hitting power of the MP batters meant both bowlers conceded over 40 runs in their spells.

Chasing 226, Punjab's opener, Harnoor Singh, provided an explosive start, keeping the required run rate in check. He smashed a quick 64 off 36 balls.

The chase, however, belonged to the magnificent efforts throughout the middle order. While Salil Arora played an anchor role with a vital 50 off 29 balls, Anmolpreet Singh scored 38 off 14 balls. The final dramatic push was given by Ramandeep Singh as his unbeaten 21-ball 35 kept the team in touching distance of a win and eventually sealed a win for Punjab.

With the equation coming down 23 runs off the final 12 balls, Ramandeep Singh took centre stage. The all-rounder was unstoppable with the bat. He scored 17 runs in the 19th over and then smashed a six off the first ball of the last over to get Punjab over the finishing line.

Ramandeep's all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While it was an exciting match, the bowling from both sides was a real concern. Conceding 225+ runs means the bowlers had a very bad day. The SMAT is supposed to identify talent for the national team, but such high scores on a regular basis aren't a good sign for Indian cricket's bowling future.
V
Vikram M
Venkatesh Iyer's 70 was pure class! Even in a losing cause, he showed why he's in the national reckoning. But full marks to Punjab for holding their nerve. These domestic clashes are getting more and more competitive. Great for the sport!
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, this is the kind of cricket we love to see! Edge-of-the-seat stuff till the last ball. Anmolpreet's 38 off 14 was a game-changing cameo. The SMAT is producing some fantastic talent. Well done both teams for the entertainment!
A
Aman W
Bas yaar, what a match! Ramandeep Singh is a proper finisher. That six off the first ball of the last over showed so much confidence. Punjab's team spirit must be sky-high after this win. On to the next one! 💪
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Karthik V
Salil Arora's anchor innings of 50 off 29 is being overlooked. In a chase of 226, even a strike rate of 170+ is considered anchoring! He stabilized the innings perfectly after the early wicket. Team effort all the way.

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