Jharkhand vs Uttar Pradesh, SMAT, Today Match Prediction 05 December 2024

JKD vs UTP Match Prediction & Analysis

This really could be one of the tastiest games of the group stage! Group C has been dominated by Delhi, Jharkand and Uttar Pradesh with the trio all going on strong winning runs at times. However, three does not go into two and although Jharkand could still progress even in defeat, neither side will want to risk relying on other results, particularly as it is Delhi who take on Arunachal Pradesh at the bottom of the pile!

After their defeat on Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh are now vulnerable to teams in fourth and fifth catching them up but in reality the only positions which count at this final round of the stage season are the top two.

Uttar Pradesh need to win and turn the net-run-rate deficit around so we can expect them to be on the front foot from ball one in this clash.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Jharkhand Preview

Confidence will be sky-high in the Jharkhand camp ahead of this match after they lay down a big marker by becoming the first team to defeat the previously all-conquering Delhi in their last clash!

Chasing 155 to win, an unbeaten knock of 55 runs from 30 balls from Kumar Kushagra allowed other players to bat around him and there were also vital contributions from opener Utkarsh Singh and Anukul Roy. Ishan Kishan is a fine top level batter and he could also be key in this game.

Back on Tuesday, it was the bowling of Vikarsh Singh, Utkarsh Singh and Bal Krishna which stood out and set up the victory. We expect that trio to be critical to Jharkhand's chances once again.

Jharkhand Predicted Playing XI:

Ishan Kishan (wk), Utkarsh Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Virat Singh (c), Anukul Roy, Pankay Kumar, Robin Minz, Vivekanand Tiwari, Vikas Kumar, Vikash Singh, Bal Krishna

Uttar Pradesh Preview

Although they have impressed more often than not in this campaign, it was Uttar Pradesh who once again were not able to get over the winning line in their last fixture, in spite of having a team packed full of superstars.

All eyes will be on Rinku Singh, Sameer Rizvi, Shivam Mavi and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to step up and deliver performances in this game where winning if the only option if they are to make the top two.

Mavi produced an impressive 45 not out from 15 balls to get UP to a competitive total on Tuesday and then also produced with the ball, but overall it is the bowling attack which needs to improve if UP are to win.

Uttar Pradesh Predicted Playing XI:

Madhav Kaushik, Aryan Juyal (wk), Priyam Garg, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Sameer Rizvi, Vipraj Nigam, Shivam Mavin, Bhuneshwar Kumar (c), Mohsin Khan, Vineet Panwar

Weather Conditions

According to the forecast, it is going to be a very hot day throughout Thursday in Mumbai. By the time this fixture gets underway in late morning the temperature will already be above 30 degrees.

JKD vs UTP Pitch Report

Pace in the wicket, good carry through to the keeper and batters being able to trust the bounce are all usual attributes at the Wankhede Stadium. Any score below 160 in the first innings of this game is unlikely to be strong enough.

Toss: To Bowl

On a pitch which is famous for getting faster as the day progresses, we expect to see both captains walk out for the toss on Thursday with the intention of bowling first.