Follow UsBihar, it seems, have decided that the domestic season of 2025–26 would be known for their unlikely wins. As if chasing down over 250 runs in less than 30 overs to qualify for the Plate Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final was not enough, they beat much fancied Uttar Pradesh (UP) in their last league stage match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26.
With that win, Bihar knocked UP out of the Super League race and thus the tournament and also saved themselves from being relegated to Plate Group.
Before the start of the game, UP had 12 points from six games and were eyeing a big win to boost up their net run-rate. If they were to beat Bihar heavily and earn up crucial four points, they would have finished in second position with equal points as last season’s finalists Madhya Pradesh (MP) in Elite Group B, behind Hyderabad.
This would have forced MP into a must-win situation during their last game of the group stage against Jammu and Kashmir, who too would be in with a chance, as they are on 12 points as well. However, UP would have been the safest placed, meaning that barring a win by MP and Goa (also at 16 points), nothing would have removed them from a spot in SMAT Super League and a chance to win a second SMAT title.
However, nothing of that sort could transpire as Bihar beat UP to cause the biggest upset. Courtesy of that win, Bihar saved themselves from relegation as well. One team from all the 32 Elite Group teams were to be relegated based on the points accumulated and the net run rate, in the case of an equal number of points.
Bihar and Services ended up with four points each, but Services have a far worse net run-rate than Bihar, thus they would be relegated to the Plate Group for the next season of SMAT, until and unless the other two teams at four points i.e. Chhattisgarh and Tripura, which are yet to play their last league stage game, end up having a worse net run rate than Services.
After winning the toss and electing to field first at Jadavpur University Second Campus Ground in Salt Lake, Kolkata, Bihar kept a tight hold on UP’s scoring rate. Because of part-time military medium bowler Mangal Mahrour’s career-best showing of 3/12 in his four overs, UP could only reach 144 at the loss of their six wickets.
Bihar, in reply, treaded cautiously, building an opening partnership of 83 runs and nearly killing the match there. Another 21-run partnership for the second wicket followed. UP tried to make a mini comeback through two quick wickets, but turned out to be too little too late as Bihar cruised to a memorable six-wicket win.
Opener Piyush Singh, who scored 57 off 54 and who was the last batter to get out for Bihar, was rightfully adjudged Player Of The Match.