By Vinay Rao
Hyderabad cricket wrapped up a week of mixed fortunes—encouraging progress on the field, familiar controversies off it. The men’s team delivered two convincing wins in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), stumbling only against a Prithvi Shaw blitz. The Women’s U23 side endured a setback against Andhra but remains in the qualification race. Meanwhile, the junior selection season made its usual noisy return, with fresh squads and fresh complaints.
SMAT: Hyderabad’s Punchy Start, Midweek Stumble, and Confident Rebound
Match 1: A Clinical Beginning vs Madhya Pradesh
Hyderabad opened their T20 campaign with a professional, controlled performance. MP posted 144, powered by Shivang Kumar’s lively 45 off 28. Hyderabad’s bowlers were sharp from ball one—captain C.V. Milind led the attack with three wickets, while Rakshan and Arfaz chipped in with two each.
The chase was steady and assured. Buddi Rahul anchored with a superb 59 off 46 (8 fours, 1 six), and Arfaz capped off an impressive all-round outing with an unbeaten 18 to seal a five-wicket win.
Match 2: When Prithvi Shaw Took the Game Away
Hyderabad’s batting clicked again against Maharashtra, compiling a strong 191/8. Rahul (31), Tanay (32), and Milind’s fiery 35 off 17 kept the scoreboard moving. But the night belonged to Prithvi Shaw.
In one of his trademark power-packed innings, Shaw smashed 66 off 36, dealing mostly in boundaries—9 fours and 3 sixes. Arshin Kulkarni matched him stroke for stroke, finishing with an unbeaten 89 off 54. Maharashtra coasted home at 192/2, handing Hyderabad their only defeat of the week.
Match 3: Strong Response vs Goa
Goa’s 164 was built on a whirlwind 85 off 48 by Lalit Yadav, who punished the attack with 10 fours and 3 sixes. A 30-run final over off Ajay Goud briefly rattled Hyderabad, but the chase was as smooth as it gets.
Aman Rao’s brisk 40 off 22 set the tone before Pragnay produced the innings of the match—67 off just 34, featuring 4 fours and 5 sixes. Hyderabad cruised to a seven-wicket win, signalling the team’s improving rhythm.
Women’s U23: A Loss, but Still a Chance
The Women’s U23 team absorbed a tough defeat to Andhra but walked away with positives. Their 134/6 was shaped largely by Mamatha’s sparkling 69 off 43 balls and Kranthi’s steady 29. Andhra replied with 138/4, led by Setu Sai’s classy, unbeaten 54 and Hema’s unbeaten 26.
Despite the setback, Hyderabad sit third on the table and still hold an outside shot at the knockouts—a testament to their consistency through the tournament.
Junior Selections: The Controversy Continues
Away from the spotlight of match days, the junior cricket system produced familiar noise. The newly announced U16 squad and the revised Cooch Behar squad triggered another round of grumbling. Parents and insiders continue to raise concerns, yet the administration—true to recent form—appears unfazed. For a system desperate for transparency and stability, this ongoing indifference is becoming more than just a recurring irritation.
A Week of Learning, Progress, and Lingering Questions
Hyderabad cricket’s week was a blend of highs, lessons, and unresolved issues. The men’s side showcased depth, with young players stepping up at key moments. The Women’s U23 team, despite the loss, remains competitive and alive in the qualification race. And off the field, junior cricket once again served as a reminder of the structural reforms still desperately needed.
Here’s hoping the next update brings more victories—and fewer controversies—as Hyderabad cricket continues its journey forward.
