Santhal Strikers upset table-toppers KSK J-T20 League

PNS

Ranchi

Santhal Strikers pulled off a major upset in the Jharkhand T20 Cricket League 2026, defeating table-toppers Koyalanchal Super Kings by seven wickets with 10 balls to spare at the JSCA International Stadium Complex to register their first win of the tournament.

After being asked to bat first, Koyalanchal Super Kings posted a competitive 148/8 in 20 overs. In-form batter Sharandeep Singh Bhatia continued his prolific run, scoring 58 off 47 balls to register his fourth half-century of the tournament. Wicketkeeper-batter Robin Minz added a brisk 40 off 28 deliveries, while Utkarsh Singh chipped in with 17 runs from 15 balls.

For Santhal Strikers, Pratyush Kumar starred with the ball, returning impressive figures of 3 for 17 in four overs. Manishi provided crucial support, claiming 2 wickets for 23 runs in his two-over spell.

Chasing 149 for victory, Santhal Strikers suffered an early setback when opener Vibhor Pandey was dismissed without scoring. However, Vivek Kumar anchored the innings with a superb 64 off 36 balls, sharing a vital 64-run partnership with Kumar Suraj, who contributed 34 runs.

After Vivek’s departure, Sumit Kumar remained composed, finishing unbeaten on 27 off 29 balls to guide his side home. Santhal Strikers completed the chase at 154/3 in 18.2 overs, sealing a memorable victory over the league leaders.

For his match-winning bowling performance in the first innings, Pratyush Kumar was named Player of the Match.

The result hands Santhal Strikers their first points of the season while ending Koyalanchal Super Kings’ unbeaten run and adding fresh excitement to the race for the Jharkhand T20 League playoffs.