Bihar vs Uttar Pradesh – Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 Match Preview

Date: December 8, 2025
Time: 03:00 GMT
Venue: Kolkata
Group: Elite Group B
Tournament: Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025

Match Overview

The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 continues to deliver high-stakes domestic T20 action, and one of the most anticipated fixtures in Elite Group B is the clash between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on December 8, 2025 at Kolkata. With the tournament in full swing, this match is set to be a crucial encounter for both teams as they battle for a strong position in the group standings.

Team Form and Strengths

Bihar

Bihar has shown promising form in the early stages of the tournament, with a balanced squad featuring explosive batters and wily spinners. The team has been particularly strong in the death overs, with their lower-order batters showing the ability to turn the tide in crucial moments. Their spin attack, led by experienced campaigners, poses a significant threat on the slow and turning tracks in Kolkata.

Key players to watch:

• Abhishek Sharma – The world’s number one T20I batsman, he brings a wealth of experience and a flair for big shots.
• Chandandeep Singh – A consistent performer with the bat, Chandandeep has the ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed.
• Rohit Kumar – A reliable spinner who can trouble even the best of batters in tight conditions.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, on the other hand, is packed with quality players and has a reputation for playing aggressive, attacking cricket. The team has a strong batting lineup with several big-hitters, and their bowlers have shown the ability to perform under pressure. With the right execution, UP can easily chase down any total in this format.

Key players to watch:

• Rahul Tripathi – A composed middle-order batsman who can stabilize the innings and take the attack to the opposition.
• Abhimanyu Easwaran – A technically sound opener who has the ability to score quickly and anchor the innings.
• Naman Jain – A versatile all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball, offering valuable support to the bowlers.

Venue Conditions – Kolkata

Kolkata has been a consistent venue for domestic T20 matches and is known for its slow and turning tracks, which favor spinners. The outfield is generally good, but the pitch often deteriorates as the game progresses, which can be crucial in the final overs. With the weather generally mild during this time of the year, the teams can expect ideal batting conditions with minimal interruptions.

Head-to-Head and Historical Context

While Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have faced each other in previous editions of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the results have been closely contested. Both teams have had their share of victories, and the match often comes down to the final overs. Given the current squads and the conditions in Kolkata, this encounter is expected to be a high-scoring affair with both teams vying for a win that could significantly impact their group position.

Prediction

This is a must-win match for both teams, and the result could define their journey in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. Bihar's spin strength and ability to chase under pressure could give them the edge, while Uttar Pradesh's aggressive batting lineup and all-round strength make them a dangerous opponent.

Prediction: Bihar to win by a narrow margin (132-140 runs), with an exciting last-over finish.

How to Watch

Live Broadcast:

• TV: Star Sports Network will broadcast the match live.
• Streaming: The match will be live-streamed on the Jio Hotstar App and Website.

Date and Time:

• December 8, 2025 at 03:00 GMT

Conclusion

The Bihar vs Uttar Pradesh clash promises to be an electrifying encounter in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. With both teams possessing quality and determination, cricket fans can look forward to a thrilling match filled with high-scoring action and nail-biting moments. Don’t miss out on what’s shaping up to be one of the key fixtures in Group B.
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