WATCH: Madhya Pradesh prevail despite hat-trick by Nitesh Kumar Reddy at SMAT

Nitesh Kumar Reddy claims hat-trick at SMAT (Screengrab)

Nitish Kumar Reddy has faced immense criticism over his performance in international circuit. Apart from his Test century at Melbourne during the previous Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the all-rounder has failed to earn the faith despite being handed numerous chances across formats.

As Reddy was not considered for the ongoing T20Is against South Africa, the all-rounder has turned his focus towards domestic competition and is currently playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025. He even went to claim a hattrick in the low-scoring match between Andhra and Madhya Pradesh at the DY Patil Academy in Ambi, Pune.

As Andhra were defending a meagre 112, Reddy provided his team with the best possible start that rocked Madhya Pradesh. Bowling the third over, he dismissed opener Harsh Gawli, and No. 3 and 4 Harpreet Singh and Rajat Patidar to reduce the opposition to 14/3 by the end of it.

Moment of sheer brilliance by Nitish Kumar Reddy as he completed a superb hat-trick against Madhya Pradesh in the Super League Stage in Pune #SMAT | @IDFCFIRSTBank | @NKReddy07pic.twitter.com/3iv0wo1kFI

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 12, 2025

Soon the team lost their fourth wicket in the form of Venkatesh Iyer, who was dismissed for 18-ball 22 by KV Sasikanth. Rishabh Chouhan and Rahul Batham then combined to help Madhya Pradesh recover from the early stutter. The duo maintained a cautious approach as Chouhan scored 47 off 43 balls, featuring six 4s, while Batham returned unbeaten on 35 off 32 balls.

Their efforts powered Madhya Pradesh to a four-wicket victory as they completed the run-chase with 15 balls to spare.