A large number of spectators turned up at the MCA Stadium in Mumbai for the Super League fixture of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26 between Hyderabad and Mumbai. The former won the toss and decided to bowl first as Mohammad Siraj, the premier pacer of the side, didn’t disappoint his fans by displaying notable bowling performances.

Mumbai, under the leadership of Shardul Thakur, posted a below-par score of 130, getting bundled out in 18.5 overs as only Hardik Tamore, the wicket-keeper batter, and Yashasvi Jaiswal crossed their respective 25-run mark. Suyansh Shedge cracked 28 runs in 22 balls at a strike rate of 127.27.

See Also: Watch: “Forever grateful…”-Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre’s hilarious interview in U-19 Asia Cup 2025 goes viral

Siraj was excellent with the new ball and later on used the variations with the old delivery by finishing with figures of 3/17 in 3.5 overs at an economy rate of 4.40. Both Captain Milind and T. Thuagarajan added two wickets each in their spell. Siraj’s line and length were fabulous in the entire game, in different phases of the game.

Mohammad Siraj shows heartwarming gesture in SMAT 2025/26

In the chase, the opening stand of 127 runs between Tanmay Agarwal and Aman Rao killed any chance for Mumbai to make a slight comeback in the fixture. The former nailed a fine knock of 75 runs in 40 balls at a strike rate of 187.50, thanks to seven boundaries and four sixes, while Aman drilled 52 undefeated runs in 29 balls at a strike rate of 179.31, shouldering on five fours and three sixes.

A standout moment from Mohammed Siraj ✨

After earning POTM vs Mumbai, he recognises Tanmay Agarwal’s vital 75 by sharing the award! pic.twitter.com/K5sERoCbO5

— CRICKETNMORE (@cricketnmore) December 12, 2025

Siraj won the player of the match award for his excellent bowling performance. But he showed a heartwarming gesture in the presentation ceremony by calling Tanmay in that event and sharing the prize with the left-handed opening batter. Hyderabad completed the chase in less than 12 overs for a nine-wicket victory.

Mohammad Siraj, who recently featured in the ODI series against South Africa at home, will be back in action for the national side during the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home. That will take place in the second week of January next week.

Star Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj played for Hyderabad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 Super League match against Mumbai on Friday (December 12).

The match was played at the MCA Stadium in Pune. Hyderabad won the game by nine wickets. Siraj picked up three wickets and finished with figures of 3 for 17 in 3.5 overs. He was named Player of the Match for his brilliant bowling performance.

Siraj also won hearts by sharing his Player of the Match award with teammate Tanmay Agarwal. Tanmay played a fine knock of 75 runs off 40 balls during the 132-run chase. Fans praised Siraj’s gesture on social media. His IPL franchise, the Gujarat Titans, also reacted and shared a post, which has now gone viral.

Also Read -Rohit Sharma set to play for Mumbai in Vijay Hazare Trophy ahead of IND vs NZ ODI series: Report

GT shared a picture of Mohammed Siraj sharing the Player of the Match award with Tanmay Agarwal. The franchise captioned the post, “Match bhi jeet liya aur dil bhi!”

Match bhi jeet liya aur dil bhi! 💙 pic.twitter.com/vGYc8NQSgk

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) December 12, 2025

Flop Show by Mumbai

The presence of several Indian stars did not help Mumbai, as they lost to Hyderabad in their Super League match.

Mumbai had players like Yashasvi Jaiswal (29), Sarfaraz Khan (5), Ajinkya Rahane (9), and Shardul Thakur (0) in the playing XI. However, they were bowled out for 131. Mohammed Siraj was the star for Hyderabad, as he picked up three wickets for 17 runs in 3.5 overs.

Tanay Thyagarajan supported Siraj well and took two wickets.

In reply, Aman Rao scored an unbeaten 52, while Tanmay Agarwal made 75 runs. The duo helped Hyderabad chase the target in just 11.5 overs.

Hyderabad finished on 132 for one. They won the match by nine wickets and earned four points.

Read Also -Watch: “Forever grateful…”-Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre’s hilarious interview in U-19 Asia Cup 2025 goes viral

Hat-trick for Reddy

India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy impressed for Andhra Pradesh. He scored 25 runs and took a hat-trick, finishing with figures of 3 for 17 in three overs.

However, Madhya Pradesh won the match by four wickets. Andhra were bowled out for 112 in 19.1 overs. Madhya Pradesh chased down the target, scoring 113 for six in 17.3 overs, despite Reddy’s fine spell.

Hyderabad started the Super League Group B of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 with a thrashing victory against Mumbai, where the star Gujarat Titans pacer, who is also the star Indian pacer, was the hero of the match for recording three wickets in four balls. 

Pune hosted the fixture, where Hyderabad chose to field first. While Mumbai were bowled out for only 131 runs in 18.5 overs, Hyderabad chased down the target in 11.5 overs after losing only one wicket, as Hyderabad won the match by nine wickets with 49 balls remaining. 

Mumbai openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Ajinkya Rahane had a 31-run partnership for the first wicket before Mumbai's regular wickets started falling. Only the middle-order batters Hardik Tamore (29) and Suryansh Shedge (28) crossed the 20-run mark along with the opener Jaiswal (29) in that innings.

See Also: Shardul Thakur takes 2 DRS to review two wide calls during MUM vs HYD SMAT 2025 match

Mohammed Siraj took 3 wickets in 4 balls in slog overs

Hyderabad pace-bowling leader Mohammed Siraj produced a strong bowling performance, especially in the slog over, where the right-arm pacer got three wickets in four balls. Siraj ended the innings with the bowling figures of 3.5-0-21-3, as he won the Player of the Match award. 

On the fourth and fifth balls of the 17th over, which was Siraj's third over of the match, the right-arm pacer took back-to-back wickets of set Suryansh (28) and Shardul Thakur (0). On his hat-trick ball, Siraj conceded a leg-bye. 

On the first ball of the 19th over, Siraj bowled Tanush Kotian (2). In that same over, Mumbai were bundled out after Tushar Deshpande (1) was run out. 

Hyderabad openers completely dominated

In reply, Hyderabad openers Aman Rao (52) and Tanmay Agarwal (75) comfortably guided the team to a victory, while only Tanmay lost his wicket after a 127-run partnership for the first wicket. 

The opening day of the second Test between India and South Africa was very exciting. While the visitors managed the strong partnerships, Indian bowlers provided the timely breakthrough to never allow the game to move out of their hands. At the very end of the day, Mohammed Siraj took the crucial wicket by dismissing Tony de Zorzi with the second new ball.

While Kuldeep Yadav picked up three crucial wickets, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja also picked up one wicket each on the opening day of the Guwahati Test. In the middle of the 81st over of the first innings, the home team took the second new ball, as Jasprit Bumrah completed the over with the new ball. 

Watch: Kuldeep Yadav dismisses Wiaan Mulder during IND vs SA 2nd Test in Guwahati

Mohammed Siraj took wicket of Tony de Zorzi with second new ball

While the floodlight was on, another Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj returned to bowl. While it was his first delivery with the second new ball, Siraj produced a length ball moving away from Tony de Zorzi, who was batting at 28 off 59 balls with three fours and one six. Tony had an outside edge, and the Indian stand-in Test skipper and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant snatched a great catch with his remarkable low diving effort. 

It was an important time that the hosts got a massive wicket by dismissing set Tony de Zorzi, while Siraj took his first wicket of the match. Four balls later, the day ended while one more ball was yet to be bowled to complete the 82nd over of the innings. South Africa, who chose to bat first after winning the toss in the second Test, were battling at 247/6 at the stumps of the opening day. Senuran Muthusamy and Kyle Verreynne are batting at 25 and one run, respectively.  

Persistence is key! 🔥#MohammedSiraj strikes just before stumps on Day 1 to give #TeamIndia their 6th wicket!#INDvSA 2nd Test 👉 Day 2 SUN, NOV 23, 8:30 AM pic.twitter.com/7NpAzZddhu

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 22, 2025

Proteas batters fail big scores

All the top four Proteas batters got starts but lost their wickets at 30s and 40s. Only Tristian Stubbs (49) and the skipper Temba Bavuma (41) managed to reach the 40-run mark on the opening day. 

Australia’s captain, Mitchell Marsh, won the toss and had no hesitation in deciding to bat first on a hard surface that was offering good bounce for the batters to play their shots around the park. And his opening stand with Travis Head was an example of how much the right decision was from their end, as they made just one solitary change of bringing Nathan Ellis for Xavier Bartlett.

Head and Marsh saw off the first three overs from Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana, who moved the ball in both ways to get some swing and seam movement. But with the ball losing its shine, both the batters went after the short balls from the Indian pace attack and collected runs all around the park.

See Also: Why is Nitish Kumar Reddy not playing today in AUS vs IND 3rd ODI?

Later, it was Siraj who drew the first blood with the wicket of Head for 29 runs. The southpaw clubbed the leg-sided delivery of the Hyderabad bowler into the covers for a boundary before cutting the short of a length delivery straight into the hands of the backward point fielder.

Watch: Mohammed Siraj sends back Travis Head on 29 runs during AUS vs IND 3rd ODI

That was the eighth time in 19 innings Siraj dismissed Head across formats in the game. The left-handed opening batter of the Australian side became the fastest for the national side to complete 3000 ODI runs in 76 innings, overtaking Steve Smith’s 79 innings. He also took the fourth-lowest balls (2839) to complete the milestone, as Glenn Maxwell, Jason Roy, and Jos Buttler were ahead of him in the list.

Much needed! 💪

Just as the opening stand was starting to look dangerous, #MohammadSiraj gets #TravisHead! 👏🇮🇳#AUSvIND 👉 3rd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/0evPIuANAu pic.twitter.com/Kimj8efFnZ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 25, 2025

After Head’s wicket, Marsh was dismissed for 41 runs in 50 balls with the help of five boundaries and one six at a strike rate of 82. Axar Patel was able to break the stumps of the right-handed batter as India started to get their way back into the game.

The visitors made two changes in the playing eleven, with Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna getting a look in place of Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who were ruled out of the clash with injury.

As India and Australia gear up for their much-anticipated ODI series starting on October 19 at Optus Stadium, Perth, the focus will be on two bowlers: Mohammed Siraj and Josh Hazlewood—a pair of proven accuracy and effectiveness in fast, limited-overs bowling. 
With Jasprit Bumrah rested, Siraj comes back to lead India's attack and will look to grab a spot after he missed the 2025 Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, Australia will look to Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc to take over for the injured Pat Cummins. 

Pace Battle: Siraj's Fire vs. Hazlewood's Accuracy 

Both players have had success given their different styles: Siraj providing aggression and swing and Hazlewood control and discipline. 
Siraj made his international debut in 2019 against Australia, taking 71 wickets in 44 ODIs. His best bowling figures of 6/21 came against Sri Lanka in 2023 when he tore through their batting order. 

Hazlewood made his ODI debut in 2010 against England and has proven to be one of Australia's most reliable pace bowlers. He has 72 wickets thus far in ODIs, also in 44 matches, as he remained consistent from his first match.

Statistics That Count: Average, Strike Rate, and Economy Referring to his bowling metrics, Siraj sustains a bowling average of 24.04 and a strike rate of 27.82 for an economy of 5.18. This illustrates that he gets wickets routinely without conceding many runs.

Hazlewood has been marginally more economical in terms of runs per over at 4.47, while maintaining a strong average of 25.15 and strike rate of 31.86 in his first 44 ODIs.

See Also: [WATCH] “Good friendship…”- Yashasvi Jaiswal shares bond with Shubman Gill and his leadership

Impact in Victories: Delivering When It Counts

Siraj's performance is at its peak when India wins. Out of 44 ODIs, India has won 33 with Siraj in the line-up—during which he has taken 59 wickets at an average of 20.47, a strike rate of 25.44, and an economy of 4.83. 

Hazlewood's record in winning causes is similarly sound. In his first 44 ODIs, Australia won 26, and the seam bowler picked up 45 wickets (with an average of 24.58 and economy of 4.76)—showing his penetrative spells and excellent control.

With nearly identical numbers after 44 ODIs, both Siraj and Hazlewood stand shoulder to shoulder statistically. Siraj’s aggression and wicket-taking bursts are perfectly matched by Hazlewood’s discipline and consistency.
As India and Australia lock horns in Perth, this battle between two world-class pacers could well decide who takes the upper hand in the opening ODI clash.

Mohammed Siraj, India’s leading wicket-taker in Tests this year, shared a light-hearted moment with West Indies batter Justin Greaves on Day Four of the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Monday.

The interaction between Siraj and Greaves quickly went viral on social media. During the 10th-wicket stand between Greaves and Jayden Seales, Siraj playfully signaled, seemingly trying to “warn” Greaves, as if telling him not to score any more runs.

India Vs West Indies: 2nd Test, Day 4 – Highlights

Justin Greaves did not listen to Siraj and smashed a fifty as India finally bowled out West Indies after almost 199 overs.

India needed just 121 runs to win the second Test and sweep the series 2-0 after bowling out the determined West Indies for 390. At stumps, India reached 63/1 in 18 overs.

Also Read -Mohmmed Siraj collapses after long spell to get king-like treatment during IND vs WI 2nd Test in Delhi

Greaves and Seales Frustrate India

Greaves, unbeaten on 50, and Jayden Seales (32) added 79 runs for the final wicket, frustrating the Indian bowlers at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.

John Campbell (115) and Shai Hope (103) had earlier guided West Indies into the lead after the tourists resumed at 173-2 while following on. The left-right pair added 177 runs for the third wicket.

Mohammed Siraj giving Justin Greaves the death stare after those shots!

Siraj’s aggression + energy = pure entertainment!

What a character on the field! #Siraj #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/dcoTXuzQM9

— Arshit Yadav (@imArshit) October 13, 2025

Campbell reached his first Test century with a six off Ravindra Jadeja before Jadeja trapped him lbw in the morning session. Hope continued after lunch and scored his first Test hundred in eight years with a boundary off Mohammed Siraj. Siraj got his revenge soon after by bowling Hope.

Kuldeep Yadav, who took 5/82 in the first innings, dismissed wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach lbw for two. He then struck twice in three balls, including skipper Roston Chase for 40.

However, Greaves and Seales held off the Indian bowlers for 133 deliveries using straight-bat shots until Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Seales.

India had enforced the follow-on after bowling out West Indies for 248, a deficit of 270 runs from India’s first-innings 518/5 declared. India had won the first Test in Ahmedabad by an innings.

The scorching heat of September at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi during the second Test between India and West Indies has made an effect on the Indian pacer, Mohammed Siraj, who collapsed on the floor, having been exhausted with two days’ of fielding in consecutive innings as India enforced the follow-on with the lead of 270 runs. The alarming moment came after Siraj’s six-over spell post lunch.

Siraj sent back Shai Hope in that spell. After completing the century, the right-handed batter was foxed by the short ball and got an inside edge into the stumps on the following day to get back into the dressing room for 103 runs. Siraj staggered back into the Indian dugout and slumped into the chair.

See Also: [WATCH] KL Rahul falls on ground in pain after ball hits him in box during IND vs WI 2nd Test

It prompted an immediate medical attention from the team’s medical staff. An ice packet was parked on his head and face to lower the temperature as the physiotherapist messaged his feet to relax his muscles as the commentators, Dinesh Karthik and Ian Bishopr, saw the moment.

Dinesh Karthik calls Mohammed Siraj’s message king-like treatment during IND vs WI 2nd Test

Siraj picked up two wickets in the clash. Apart from the wicket of Hope, he drew the first blood with the wicket of Tagenarine Chanderpaul. The left-handed opening batter wasn’t fully committed to the pull shot and mistimed it into the hands of the mid-wicket field.

“What we see right now is the fast bowlers being treated like kings after a hard spell. It's the same case everywhere, by the way. I just need to let viewers know that it's not just on the ground, off the field, but also in the com box. We've got to be careful when you do that with Bish. The ice (needs to be placed) straight on the head to calm him down at times. For Bish and for Siraj.” Karthik commented during the clash.

Twin centuries from Hope and John Campbell helped the visitors post 390 in the second innings which set a target of 121 runs for the Indian side, who batted to decrease the goal to 58 runs for the fifth and final day to seal the series by 2-0.  

Mohammed Siraj has been in exceptional form this year, having reached another landmark in the ongoing India vs. West Indies 2nd Test. He became the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket for 2025, a remarkable achievement that again highlights his continuing excellence and skill. This economic exploit has been welcomed by fans and cricket enthusiasts around the globe. An act that can only bolster Siraj's reputation as one of the leading fast bowlers of the modern era.

This year, Siraj has had a crucial role for India in Tests. He is not only extremely quick and capable of swinging the ball, but he has also consistently delivered to trouble batsmen both in India and abroad. His intelligence, control, and clever changes of pace make him a difficult proposition for any batsman. Whether as a new ball bowler taking early wickets or having to endure long bowling spells tiring the batsmen, Siraj has had an invaluable impact on India's bowling attack.

This accomplishment is even more notable when taking into account Siraj's journey. He has transitioned from a young pacer looking for an opportunity in the Indian team to the spearhead of the fast-bowling attack. His perseverance and commitment have been displayed abundantly since 2025 or so, and his tenacity, professionalism, and willingness to improve are representative of Siraj's journey. In 2025, he is now regarded as one of the most lethal fast bowlers in world cricket.

MIYAN SIRAJ IS UNSTOPPABLE IN 2025 😍

- He becomes the highest wicket taker in Tests in 2025. pic.twitter.com/sGDHThbQm8

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 13, 2025

See Also: "Throw you into..."- Gautam Gambhir leaks secret conversation with Shubman Gill while appointing him as India's Test captain

The Rise of Miyan Magic

Fans and commentators are now referring to him as "Miyan Magic," which is a reflection of his lively and emotional style of play. The energy that he brings to the stadium every time he runs to bowl makes the experience exciting for the spectators, and it is also a signal for the batsmen that they are about to face a tough test. Siraj's capacity to claim important wickets when it matters has changed the direction of many games.

In 2025, Siraj has exhibited not only proficiency but also mental fortitude, having challenged some of the best batsmen around the world and delivering under pressure. His tranquillity, accuracy, and timing have made him an indispensable asset to the Indian Test setup. Fans are already relishing the hope to witness another magical spell from him as India continues its association against the West Indies.

This accomplishment is not just a personal achievement. This is a sign to the young cricketers of the country that they have the potential to experience extraordinary success with hard work, perseverance, and self-belief. Siraj’s performances this year will be etched in memory for a long time, and he has already become one of the inspiring figures in world cricket today.

The fourth morning of the second Test between India and West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi started with the home side’s aim to break the overnight century stand between Shai Hope and John Campbell. Even though they were able to dismiss the latter after his respective century in the first session, they needed to break the defense of Hope. 

The wicket-keeper batter stretched himself into the 90s by the end of the first session before celebrating his third century of the longest format with a boundary. He got an outside edge to Mohammed Siraj as the ball died into the slip region for a boundary to push Hope, breaking the Test century streak of eight years and 58 innings, which is the most for the West Indies.

See Also: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma uncertain for ODI Word Cup 2027? Former Indian head coach predicts

But soon after the milestone, Siraj sent back the batter. On the previous ball of the dismissal, the Hyderabad-born pushed the batter into the back foot with a short ball before asking him to come forward. Hope wasn’t prepared for that and got the inside edge onto the stumps to go back to the dressing room for 103 runs.

Watch: Mohammed Siraj outfoxes centurion Shai Hopes during IND vs WI Delhi Test

Hope’s century and the lead meant this was the first time in 11 Tests where West Indies enforced the follow-on and had avoided the innings defeat. The last instance came against the New Zealand side 12 years ago in Dunedin when they settled for a draw.

𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 🔊

And Mohd. Siraj's celebration adds cherry on top 🥳

Updates ▶ https://t.co/GYLslRzj4G#TeamIndia | #INDvWI | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @mdsirajofficial pic.twitter.com/kPKKuhweGF

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 13, 2025

For the first time since the start of 2023, the West Indies have batted over 80 overs in both innings, which is a length of 22 red-ball encounters. Campbell’s 115 and Hope’s 103 are the first pair of batters to score centuries in the same innings following on since Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis against India in Colombo in 2017.

With the wicket, Siraj becomes the leading wicket-taker of the ongoing year in the longest format. He has overtaken the Zimbabwe pacer, Blessing Muzarabani, in the list. India has given a lead of seven runs so far in the Delhi Test and six wickets to pick.