Jammu & Kashmir vs Maharashtra – Match Preview | Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite 2025

Date: 26 November 2025
Time: 05:30 GMT
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Competition: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite – Group B

Match Overview

Jammu & Kashmir and Maharashtra are set to face off in an intriguing encounter of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite 2025 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. With the weather conditions expected to be on the cooler side, the match promises to be a tactical battle between two sides with contrasting styles and strong individual talent.

Both teams will be eager to make a strong statement in the group stage, with each having a history of performing well in domestic limited-overs cricket. The Eden Gardens, with its consistent playing surface and pace-friendly conditions, could offer a slight advantage to the side that wins the toss and elects to bat first.

Jammu & Kashmir: Form and Key Players

Jammu & Kashmir have shown impressive all-round performances in their recent matches. The top-order batsmen have been in good form, led by Qamran Iqbal (107 runs in last 5 matches), who has been the standout performer. Kanhaiya Wadhawan (99) and Shubham Khajuria (97) also provide solid support, while Vivrant Sharma has been a reliable middle-order option with 79 runs in five games.

In the bowling department, Auqib Nabi has been the pick of the bowlers, taking 8 wickets, while Abid Mushtaq (7 wickets) and Murugan Ashwin (5 wickets) have also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. The spin department is well-represented, with Yudhvir Singh Charak contributing five wickets as well.

J&K’s balanced squad and ability to chase effectively could be a key factor in this match, especially if they can post a competitive total on a slow pitch.

Maharashtra: Form and Key Players

Maharashtra, on the other hand, boast a powerful batting line-up, anchored by the explosive Arshin Kulkarni (119 runs in last 5 matches) and the consistent Nikhil Naik (107). Prithvi Shaw has also been in fine form, scoring 101 runs in his last five games, and is expected to provide the aggressive start Maharashtra needs.

However, the side has been inconsistent with the ball, with Prashant Solanki being the standout performer, picking up four wickets in five matches. Other bowlers have not contributed as significantly, which could be a concern if the chase is left in their hands.

Maharashtra will be relying heavily on their batters to post a competitive total, given their limited options with the ball. Their ability to capitalize on early wickets could be the difference in this match.

Key Match-Ups and Tactics

• Qamran Iqbal vs Prashant Solanki: The battle between J&K's leading run-scorer and Maharashtra’s wicket-taker could be pivotal in the early stages.
• Arshin Kulkarni vs Auqib Nabi: A high-octane clash between one of the most aggressive batters in the competition and J&K’s leading wicket-taker.
• Bowling vs Powerplay: With the Eden Gardens offering good pace, the first six overs could be crucial. J&K's spin-heavy attack may struggle if the game is reduced to a slog fest, while Maharashtra’s lack of consistent pace options could be exploited.

Weather and Pitch Conditions

The weather is expected to remain cool, with temperatures hovering around 0°C. Such conditions could favor spin and batting, but it might also lead to a slightly slower surface. The Eden Gardens pitch is generally true and offers decent carry, which could aid medium and fast bowlers if the game is played in the early evening.

Prediction

Jammu & Kashmir's balanced squad and strong all-round performance suggest they could be the favorites in this match. Their spin-heavy attack could prove effective in the middle overs, and their batters have shown the ability to post competitive totals. However, Maharashtra's explosive batting line-up, led by Arshin Kulkarni and Prithvi Shaw, could pose a serious threat if they get off to a good start.

Prediction: Jammu & Kashmir by 5-6 wickets

What to Watch Out For

• Will Jammu & Kashmir capitalize on the spin-friendly conditions?
• Can Maharashtra get a solid start from Arshin Kulkarni and Prithvi Shaw?
• How will Auqib Nabi and Abid Mushtaq perform against the aggressive Maharashtra batters?
• Will the toss play a decisive role in this match?

This encounter is set to be an exciting clash between two well-balanced sides, with the result likely to hinge on the performance of key players and tactical decisions. Fans can look forward to a high-scoring, competitive game at one of the most iconic venues in Indian cricket.

Match Starts at: 05:30 GMT
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Competition: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite 2025
Group: Group B

Stay tuned for live updates and match highlights!
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