Bihar vs Maharashtra, SMAT Elite, 2025, Today Match Prediction 02 December 2025

BHR vs MHA Match Prediction & Analysis

Bihar and Maharashtra face off in an Elite Group B clash of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with the match scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM IST. The tournament has already produced high-scoring games and tight finishes, making every fixture crucial as teams battle for advancement in the group stage. The series so far has been challenging for Bihar, who remain winless after three consecutive defeats—to Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. 

Maharashtra, meanwhile, sit mid-table with one win and two losses, having impressed in their emphatic victory over Hyderabad where Arshin Kulkarni and Prithvi Shaw produced a match-defining opening stand. However, they faltered against J+K and Chandigarh. With Maharashtra seeking upward momentum and Bihar desperate for their first points, this contest promises intensity and high stakes at Eden Gardens.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Bihar Preview

Bihar enter their next Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Group B fixture still searching for their first win of the 2025–26 season after three consecutive defeats. Their campaign has been challenging, reflected in their eighth-place standing with 0 points and a steep –1.837 NRR. As they prepare for a crucial clash, the team will look to correct recurring issues in both batting depth and death-overs bowling. Bihar have lost the first three games against Chandigarh (by 6 wickets), Madhya Pradesh (by 62 runs)and Jammu and Kashmir (by 34 runs).

In their most recent outing against Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar were asked to bowl first after J&K won the toss. The bowlers began well in patches, with Mohd Izhar (2/21) and Sakib Hussain (2/30) making important breakthroughs. However, J&K’s strong top-order led by Qamran Iqbal’s 64 (40) guided them to a competitive 159/9. The chase began with promise. Openers Akash Raj (28 off 32) and Suraj Kashyap (21 off 14) provided a steady foundation, but regular wickets after the powerplay stalled momentum. Bihar’s middle order could not resist the disciplined attack of Auqib Nabi, who dismantled the innings with a superb 4/16, eventually limiting Bihar to 125/9. 

Despite the loss, individual positives emerge: Sakibul Gani, the team’s standout performer across recent matches with 403 runs at 44.78, continues to anchor innings, while Bipin Saurabh (185 runs, SR 144.53) adds firepower. With the ball, Mohd Izhar and Nawaz Khan remain Bihar’s best wicket-taking options. As Bihar look ahead, reversing their batting collapses and tightening middle-overs bowling will be key. With a win desperately needed, this contest becomes an opportunity for Bihar to finally break through and revive their campaign.

Key players: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sakibul Gani, Bipin Saurabh, Mohd Izhar

Bihar Predicted Playing XI:

Mangal Mahorur, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sakibul Gani (c), Ayush Loharuka (wk), Akash Raj, Bipin Saurabh, Raghuvendra Pratap Singh, Suraj Kashyap, Khalid Alam, Sakib Hussain, Mohd Izhar

Maharashtra Preview

Maharashtra enter their fourth Group B fixture of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26 with a mixed start to their campaign - three matches, one win, two losses, and four points. They currently sit mid-table, looking to break into the upper half with momentum. The team has shown flashes of dominance, particularly in their emphatic win over Hyderabad, but consistency remains the key challenge.

Their standout performance came on 28 November, when Maharashtra defeated Hyderabad by 8 wickets with 8 balls remaining, courtesy of a clinical chase. After winning the toss and electing to field first, Maharashtra restricted Hyderabad to 191/8. Bowlers Jalaj Saxena (2/25) and Vicky Ostwal (1/30) played important roles in keeping Hyderabad from crossing 200. The chase was a masterclass from Maharashtra’s new-age batting duo - Arshin Kulkarni and Prithvi Shaw. Kulkarni’s unbeaten 89 off 54 balls*, paired with Shaw’s explosive 66 off 36, powered a record 117-run opening partnership - Maharashtra’s highest ever for the first wicket in T20s. 

Arshin Kulkarni walked away with Player of the Match, reinforcing his status as one of the form players this season. With 371 runs in 10 matches at an average over 41 and a strike rate of 135+, he is clearly the backbone of the batting unit. On the bowling front, Maharashtra possess wicket-takers like Mukesh Choudhary (15 wickets in 6 matches, SR 8.8) and Rajvardhan Hangargekar (8 wickets in 5 matches, SR 14.75), giving them firepower in both powerplay and death overs. Despite two narrow defeats - including to Chandigarh and J+K - their ability to chase big totals makes them dangerous. If Maharashtra replicate the sharpness they showed against Hyderabad, they will be well-placed to challenge strongly in this fixture.

Key players: Arshin Kulkarni, Mukesh Choudhary, Rahul Tripathi, Rajvardhan Hangargekar

Maharashtra Predicted Playing XI:

Arshin Kulkarni, Prithvi Shaw, Rahul Tripathi, Azim Kazi, Naushad Shaikh, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Vicky Ostwal, Jalaj Saxena, Mukesh Choudhary, Manoj Ingale, Ajay Dev Goud

Weather Conditions

The weather on match day at Eden Gardens, Kolkata is expected to be warm and slightly humid, with temperatures ranging between a high of around 29°C and a low of 20°C. There is a very low chance of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted game. A great setting for another exciting Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy clash under lights.

BHR vs MHA Pitch Report

The venue of the match is the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, established in 1864, making it one of the oldest and most historic cricket stadiums in the world. Known as the “Mecca of Indian Cricket,” it has hosted numerous Tests, ODIs, T20Is, IPL playoffs, and World Cup games. Famous for its massive spectator energy, the venue has a seating capacity of around 66,000. Its balanced pitch offers assistance to both pacers and spinners, making it a true cricketing theatre.

Toss: To Bowl

Eden Gardens historically favors teams batting second in T20s due to consistent dew that eases chasing. Data suggests chasing teams win more often here. Captains typically choose to bowl first, restrict the opposition, and then chase under easier batting conditions. The team winning the toss should bowl first here.