Super Over Drama! Anshul Kamboj Guides Haryana to Thrilling SMAT Victory Over Punjab

There's nothing quite like a Super Over in cricket, is there? That nail-biting, heart-in-mouth finish that just leaves you breathless. Well, fans of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 were treated to exactly that kind of spectacle recently, as Haryana and Punjab battled it out in a clash that went right down to the wire, with Haryana ultimately emerging victorious in a dramatic Super Over.

It was a proper rollercoaster of a match, the kind where momentum swings back and forth, keeping everyone guessing until the very last ball – and then some! Haryana, batting first, managed to post a competitive total of 153 for eight in their allotted twenty overs. Much of that came courtesy of Himanshu Rana, who played a crucial knock of 49 runs from just 36 deliveries. He really held the innings together and gave his team something to defend, which, truth be told, felt a little light at times.

When it was Punjab's turn to chase, they showed incredible resilience and fighting spirit. Nehal Wadhera, with a quickfire 41 off 27 balls, and the ever-dangerous Abhishek Sharma, who blasted 34 from just 20, looked like they might just see their side home. They pushed hard, scoring boundaries when it mattered most, and took the game agonizingly close. In fact, they matched Haryana's score exactly, finishing on 153 for eight themselves, setting the stage for that ultimate tie-breaker – the Super Over.

And oh, what a Super Over it was! Punjab stepped up first, tasked with setting a target under immense pressure. They managed to scramble 10 runs, which, you know, isn't a bad effort, but it felt like they could have done with a few more to truly put the squeeze on Haryana. However, the real moment of magic, the kind that wins you matches and makes headlines, belonged squarely to Haryana's Anshul Kamboj. Stepping up to bowl in that pressure cooker situation, he delivered a masterclass. He conceded just those 10 runs and, crucially, picked up two vital wickets – those of Abhishek Sharma and Nehal Wadhera – effectively stifling Punjab's chances of posting a more daunting score.

With 11 runs needed for victory, Haryana’s batters, facing the task of chasing against the skilled Arshdeep Singh, didn't falter. They kept their cool, backed their ability, and executed under pressure. With just two balls to spare, they sealed the deal – a fantastic six followed by a perfectly placed four, sending their dugout and fans into absolute raptures. It was a testament to their composure and belief.

This thrilling win not only gives Haryana crucial points in the SMAT 2025 but also serves as a fantastic advertisement for the intensity and excitement of T20 cricket. Anshul Kamboj, for his superb Super Over performance, will surely be the talk of the town, having truly turned the tide when it mattered most. What a game, what a finish!