[Watch] Bhuvneshwar Kumar's hat-trick leads UP to victory against Jharkhand in SMAT 2024

Out-of-favor Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced a brilliant hat-trick, leading Uttar Pradesh (UP) to a 10-run victory over Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024. The match was held on Thursday, December 5, at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Chasing a target of 161, Jharkhand were on track after 16 overs, with 115 for 5. Anukul Roy had brought up his half-century, and Robin Minz was still at the crease.

Bhuvneshwar came on to bowl the 17th over and struck with the first ball, dismissing the dangerous Robin, who was caught at long off while attempting to hit a big shot. On the very next delivery, Bal Krishna was caught down the leg side, giving Bhuvneshwar two wickets in two balls.

The 34-year-old then bowled a perfect length delivery that toppled the off-stump to dismiss Vivekanand Tiwari, completing his hat-trick and swinging the momentum firmly in Uttar Pradesh’s favor.

Here’s a video of the hat-trick:

Anukul was the lone standout for Jharkhand, scoring 91 off 44 balls, with eight boundaries and seven sixes, but he couldn't lead his side to victory. Jharkhand were dismissed for 150 in 19.5 overs, falling short by 10 runs.

Bhuvneshwar was outstanding, claiming three wickets for just six runs in his four-over spell, which included a maiden. Nitish Rana and Mohsin Khan also contributed with two wickets each.

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Rinku Singh shines with the bat for Uttar Pradesh

Asked to bat first, Uttar Pradesh lost their openers, Aryan Juyal (0) and Madhav Kaushik (6), early. Priyam Garg played a solid knock, scoring 31 off 25 balls, while Nitish Rana had a disappointing outing, managing only 16 off 22 balls.

Rinku Singh played a brilliant innings, contributing 45 off 28 balls, with six boundaries. Sameer Rizvi added 24 off 19 balls. Towards the end, Shivam Mavi chipped in with 15 off six balls, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar remained unbeaten on eight off four balls. As a result, UP finished at 160/8 in their 20 overs.