Bengaluru
With the league stage of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) wrapping up earlier this week across four venues, India’s premier domestic T20 competition now enters its high-stakes Super League phase. The final, scheduled for December 18 at the MCA Stadium in Pune, will be preceded by 13 matches involving the top eight teams as they vie for a spot in the title clash.
This year, SMAT has moved away from the traditional knockout format following the group stage. Instead, the tournament will feature two groups of four, with teams playing each other once. The winners of Group 1 and Group 2 will compete for the championship in Pune.
Group 1 comprises Mumbai, Hyderabad, Haryana and Rajasthan, while Group 2 includes Punjab, Jharkhand, Andhra and Madhya Pradesh. For many players, the Super League carries added weight with the IPL mini-auction just days away, offering a final opportunity to impress scouts.
Mumbai veteran Ajinkya Rahane, enjoying a productive run with 289 runs including two half-centuries, will hope to cap what may be the twilight phase of his career on a high note. Ishan Kishan, quietly accumulating 271 runs from six outings, remains pivotal to Jharkhand’s chances. Meanwhile, Venkatesh Iyer, released by Kolkata Knight Riders, faces pressure to rediscover form after a string of low scores.
In a late development, the BCCI shifted the Super League phase from Indore to Pune, following a request from the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association citing logistical concerns. Matches will be split between the Gahunje Stadium and the MCA Stadium, both set to host all 13 fixtures, including the final.
As the competition intensifies, teams now have a short, decisive window to secure their place in the December 18 finale.
