Delhi secured their first win of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 with a thrilling last-ball six-wicket triumph over Tamil Nadu in a Group D clash at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Yash Dhull's aggressive 71 off 46 balls (4x4, 4x6) anchored the chase of Tamil Nadu's challenging 198/7, as Delhi reached 203/4 in 20 overs. The 23-year-old forged crucial stands: 52 for the first wicket with Priyansh Arya (35 off 15), 58 for the second with captain Nitish Rana (34 off 26), and a match-turning 61 for the third with Ayush Badoni (41 off 23).​

Dhull's dismissal by T Natarajan left Delhi needing 28 more, but Badoni fell soon after to Sonu Yadav, caught by Shahrukh Khan. Facing 12 off the final over from Gurjapneet Singh, Himmat Singh sealed the victory with a massive six on the last ball—despite Shahrukh Khan's diving effort—after a run-out scare on the penultimate delivery. This nail-biter boosted Delhi's campaign while Tamil Nadu searches for their first win.​

Tamil Nadu's innings featured a fiery 115-run opening stand in 12 overs between Tushar Raheja (72 off 41, 7x4, 3x6) and Amit Sathvik (54 off 40, 8x4, 1x6), setting a strong platform despite B Sai Sudharsan's early exit for 13 off 10 balls to Ishant Sharma. Delhi's Prince Yadav struck back with three middle-over wickets to curb the momentum, while Varun Chakaravarthy leaked 47 runs wicketless.​

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Dhull's performance reaffirms his rising stature in domestic cricket, building on past SMAT exploits like his unbeaten 71 against Puducherry. Tamil Nadu next faces Uttarakhand at the same venue, aiming to rebound from this heartbreak.​

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