Mumbai: Defending champions MSC Maratha Royals successfully retained their Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai League title after defeating ARCS Andheri by eight runs in a gripping final at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. A composed innings from Chinmay Sutar and a disciplined bowling effort led by Tushar Deshpande helped the Royals clinch back-to-back championships in front of a packed crowd of more than 31,000 spectators.
Earlier in the day, SOBO Mumbai Falcons claimed the inaugural Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai Women’s League title with a convincing 25-run victory over Aakash Tigers MWS, capping off a memorable day for Mumbai cricket.
The presentation ceremony was attended by Mumbai Cricket Association President Ajinkya Naik, League Governing Council Chairman Rajdip Gupta, and other MCA office-bearers.
Royals Hold Nerve in Tense Final
Chasing a target of 155, ARCS Andheri once again relied on the prolific Divyaansh Sksena, who continued his outstanding tournament with a well-crafted 51 off 40 balls. His innings, featuring four boundaries and three sixes, made him the only batter in the competition to register three half-centuries this season.
Sksena attempted to anchor the chase through key partnerships, adding 38 runs with Arjun Tendulkar and 25 with Pragnesh Kanpillewar. However, every time Andheri threatened to build momentum, the Royals bowlers struck at crucial moments.
Pragnesh contributed a brisk 28 before left-arm spinner Aditya Dhumal dismissed him. With the score at 104/5, much depended on captain Shivam Dube, but Tushar Deshpande delivered a decisive breakthrough, removing the India all-rounder for 15 and shifting the balance firmly in the Royals’ favour.
A late counterattack from Gaurav Jathar, who scored 23 off 17 deliveries, briefly kept Andheri in contention, but disciplined bowling at the death restricted them to 146/8, sealing an eight-run victory for the defending champions.
Sutar Anchors Royals’ Recovery
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, MSC Maratha Royals found themselves under pressure at 29/2 following a fiery opening spell from Arjun Tendulkar, who struck twice in quick succession.
The situation demanded stability, and Chinmay Sutar delivered exactly that. Combining with captain Siddhesh Lad, Sutar rebuilt the innings through a crucial 65-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Lad contributed a valuable 33 from 25 balls before departing after an innings that included three fours and a six.
Sutar continued to anchor the innings with maturity and composure, scoring a match-defining 61 before retiring out in the penultimate over. His knock featured four boundaries and two sixes and laid the foundation for a competitive total of 154/5.
Although the Royals could not fully capitalize in the closing overs, the target proved sufficient thanks to their disciplined bowling performance.
Tournament Honours
Despite finishing runners-up, ARCS Andheri opener Divyaansh Sksena ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer, claiming the Orange Cap with 261 runs, including three half-centuries.
For the champions, Tushar Deshpande finished as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, securing the Purple Cap with 12 wickets and underlining his importance throughout the campaign.
Brief Scores
MSC Maratha Royals: 154/5 in 20 overs
(Chinmay Sutar 61 retired out, Siddhesh Lad 33; Arjun Tendulkar 2/36)
ARCS Andheri: 146/8 in 20 overs
(Divyaansh Sksena 51, Pragnesh Kanpillewar 28, Gaurav Jathar 23; Aditya Dhumal 2/20, Tushar Deshpande 2/33)
Result: MSC Maratha Royals won by 8 runs and retained the Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai League title.
