In a clinching showdown at Wankhede Stadium, the Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals sealed their first-ever T20 Mumbai League title, overcoming debutants SoBo Mumbai Falcons by five wickets in a cagey encounter.
Falcons Post a Respectable Total
Winning the toss, the Falcons chose to bat and put up a competitive 157/4 in their 20 overs. Their innings was revitalised thanks to a blistering partnership between Mayuresh Tandel (50\* off 32) and Harsh Aghav (45\* off 28), who together added a crucial 85 runs in just 49 balls. Early jitters, including the dismissals of key players like captain Shreyas Iyer (12), had put the team in trouble at 60/3 before the duo’s resurgence.
Royals Chase with Grit
In response, Maratha Royals executed a measured chase, anchored by captain Chinmay Sutar. His composed 53 off 49 balls, featuring two fours and as many sixes, kept their innings on track. Joining him late was Awais Naushad, whose brisk 38-ball 38 helped tilt the pendulum firmly their way. The duo constructed a vital 67-run stand for the fourth wicket, carrying their side to 158/5, reaching the target with four balls to spare.
Celebrations & Reflections
The scene at Wankhede post-victory was electric — confetti, jubilant teammates, and champagne celebrations. “Our batsmen held their nerve,” said Siddhesh Lad, the Royals’ captain and skipper. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the disappointment but praised his Falcons team for their character and fight.
Standouts of the Tournament
Chinmay Sutar was a sensational performer throughout, ultimately earning the Player of the Match honour in the final. Harsh Aghav earned praise and was named Emerging Player, while Sairaj Patil secured the Orange Cap as the top tournament scorer.
This triumph not only crowns the Maratha Royals as T20 Mumbai League champions but also highlights the growing pool of promising talent outside the IPL spotlight. Their first trophy comes not just from talent, but balance, composure, and a knack for rising to the occasion.