Mumbai: Captain Sayali Satghare inspired SOBO Mumbai Falcons to a memorable victory as they defeated Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs by 25 runs to lift the inaugural Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai Women’s League title at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
In a landmark moment for women’s cricket in Mumbai, the Falcons showcased an impressive all-round performance, successfully defending a modest total of 124 to become the competition’s first-ever champions.
Chasing 125 for victory, the Tigers made a steady start before losing captain Humairaa Kaazi for 23 with the score at 37. The breakthrough proved crucial as the Falcons seized control through the disciplined bowling of Janhvi Kate, who turned the game firmly in her team’s favour.
Janhvi first dismissed tournament-leading run-scorer Sanika Chalke for 18 before removing Fatima Jaffer in her next over, putting the Tigers under immediate pressure. Sejal Raut attempted to keep the chase alive with a determined 23-run knock, but Janhvi struck again to claim her third wicket and leave the Tigers struggling at 78/4.
From that point onward, the Falcons tightened their grip on the contest. The Tigers’ middle and lower order failed to build meaningful partnerships, with none of the remaining batters reaching double figures as they were bowled out for 99 in 18.5 overs.
Janhvi finished with impressive figures of 3/21, while 13-year-old sensation Swara Jadhav continued her remarkable tournament with two wickets. Captain Sayali Satghare, Nirmiti Rane and Akshaya Shinde also chipped in with a wicket each to complete a dominant bowling display.
The inaugural edition of the tournament, held under the leadership of Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) President Ajinkya Naik and League Governing Council Chairman Rajdip Gupta, has added a significant chapter to Mumbai’s cricketing legacy. The league provided an important platform for emerging women cricketers and showcased the depth of talent within the city.
Reflecting on the success of the tournament, winning captain Sayali Satghare praised the initiative taken by the MCA.
“This is a wonderful initiative by the Mumbai Cricket Association. The exposure gained through such a league helps players grow in confidence and discover their potential. It will continue to uncover new talent and contribute significantly to the growth of Mumbai cricket and women’s cricket in India,” she said.
Earlier, the Falcons recovered from early setbacks to post 124/6 in their 20 overs. After losing both openers with just 22 runs on the board, Simran Shaikh anchored the innings with a composed half-century, scoring 50 off 35 deliveries, including six boundaries and two sixes. Sarika Koli contributed a valuable 24, while skipper Sayali added a crucial 27 runs.
For the Tigers, Ritika Yadav was the standout performer with the ball, returning figures of 3/22, while Manali Dakshini and Humairaa Kaazi claimed a wicket each.
Despite ending on the losing side, Sanika Chalke finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer and secured the Orange Cap with 223 runs. Falcons spinner Swara Jadhav capped off a dream campaign by winning the Purple Cap after taking 10 wickets during the competition.
Brief Scores
SOBO Mumbai Falcons: 124/6 in 20 overs
(Simran Shaikh 50, Sayali Satghare 27; Ritika Yadav 3/22)
Aakash Tigers MWS: 99 all out in 18.5 overs
(Humairaa Kaazi 23, Sejal Raut 23; Janhvi Kate 3/21, Swara Jadhav 2/14)
Result: SOBO Mumbai Falcons won by 25 runs to become the inaugural Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai Women’s League champions.
