Rajawadi Cricket Club registered a massive 131-run win over Matunga Gymkhana on Monday in the first match of the fifth edition of the Late Arjun Madhvi Women’s Trophy.
Winning the toss and electing to field first at Central Maidan, Matunga Gymkhana conceded 236 runs in 40 overs. They managed to pick up just five wickets of Rajawadi Cricket Club, of which leg spinner Trisha Parmar scalped two (2/32). Rajawadi Cricket Club had a fantastic outing with the bat as two players, Kshama Patekar (63) and Niviya Ambre (55), scored half-centuries. Patekar and Ambre stitched a 119-run partnership for the fourth wicket to power their side to a 200+ score.
In reply, Matunga Gymkhana were bundled out for 105 in 33 overs. Rennie Fernandes (27) scored in the top with just two other batters, Gargi Bandekar (17) and Tisha Nair (17 not out), scoring in double digits. Like with the bat, it was again the Patekar-Ambre show with the ball for Rajawadi Cricket Club. Patekar (2/20), a right-arm seamer, and Ambre (2/21), an off-spinner, claimed two wickets apiece. Alongside this dynamic duo, Vaishnavi Potdar (2/22) and Tanisha Dhanawade (2/21) also snapped two wickets, breaking the back of Matunga Gymkhana’s batting.
With this loss, Matunga Gymkhana have been knocked out of the tournament, whereas Rajawadi Cricket Club advanced to the next stage.
Brief Scores: Rajawadi Cricket Club 236/5 in 40 overs (K Patekar 63; T Parmar 2/32) beat Matunga Gymkhana 105 all out in 33 overs (R Fernandes 27; N Ambre 2/21) by 131 runs
This article is written by Juili Ballal.
Anjuman-I-Islam, a renowned institution known for its excellence in education and sports, is making a grand comeback in school cricket under the visionary leadership of its President, Padma Shri Dr. Zahir Kazi. With a dedicated focus on reviving the cricketing legacy, Dr. Kazi has initiated strategic changes over the last two years, bringing in experienced professionals and fostering a culture of excellence.
As part of this revival, former Indian Test cricketer Gulam Parkar has been appointed as the Head Coach, alongside Abid Khan, an ex-Anjuman cricketer, and Vaheed Shaikh, an ex-serviceman and Principle Rizwana satare Ma’am This team, with their combined expertise and disciplined approach, has laid the groundwork for a promising future in Anjuman school cricket. Their efforts, supported by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), have already started bearing fruit, with Anjuman reaching new heights in the Harris Shield 2024-25.
A Dominant Victory in the Harris Shield 2024-25
The recent Harris Shield match between Anjuman-I-Islam Allana English High School and Matunga Premier, Matunga, held at the Karnataka Sporting Association on December 2-3, 2024, showcased Anjuman’s resurgence. Anjuman claimed a resounding victory by an innings and 103 runs, with standout performances from their players.
Matunga Premier’s Struggles with the Bat
Winning the toss, Matunga Premier elected to bat first but struggled against Anjuman’s disciplined bowling attack. They were bowled out for 117 runs in 40.4 overs, with Keerat Singh top-scoring with 38 runs off 66 balls.
The star of the show was Abdurrahman Khan, who delivered a match-defining spell, taking 6 wickets for 33 runs. His performance set the tone for Anjuman’s dominance.
Anjuman’s Batting Brilliance
In reply, Anjuman-I-Islam Allana English High School posted a massive total of 346/9 declared in 75.3 overs. Key contributors included:
- Krrish Upadhyay, who played a sensational unbeaten knock of 100 off 128 balls, hitting 11 fours and 2 sixes.
- Afzal Shaikh with a solid 50 off 77 balls, including 8 boundaries.
- Arhaan Patel (58 off 68) and Prabhat Pandey (33 off 62) also made valuable contributions.
Despite the efforts of Matunga’s bowlers, especially Animesh Ghorpade (4/106) and Aaryan Kumar (3/59), Anjuman’s batting lineup proved too strong.
Matunga Premier’s Second Innings Collapse
In their second innings, Matunga Premier managed only 126 runs in 49.4 overs, falling short once again. Abdurrahman Khan was unstoppable, taking 5 wickets for 45 runs, completing a match haul of 11 wickets. He was supported by Yuvan Sharma, who claimed 3 wickets for 35 runs.
Leadership and Vision
This remarkable performance is a testament to the leadership of Dr. Zahir Kazi, the coaching of Gulam Parkar, and the efforts of the management team comprising Abid Khan and Vaheed Shaikh and Anjuman-I-Islam Allana English High School Coach Kadir patel. The support of the MCA, combined with the team’s dedication and hard work, has restored Anjuman cricket to its former glory.
Recognition and Future Goals
Abdurrahman Khan was named Man of the Match for his outstanding 11-wicket haul. This victory, along with Anjuman reaching the Harris Shield semi-finals for the first time in many years, is a significant milestone in their journey to reclaim their place at the top of Mumbai school cricket.
With strong leadership, expert coaching, and talented players, the future of Anjuman-I-Islam cricket looks brighter than ever. Congratulations to the entire team on this incredible achievement.
Harris Shield semifinal match Anjuman-I-Islam Allana English High School against Al Barakaat MM English Kurla School at. Sharad Pawar Academy BKC
Young cricket sensation Aayush Shinde is making headlines once again with his incredible batting performances. After recently breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s Harris Shield record with a mammoth score of 419 runs against Parle Tilak Vidyalaya, Shinde has once again demonstrated his brilliance by scoring a phenomenal 208 runs off 193 balls against Anjuman Islam High School.
Shinde’s innings was a masterclass in stroke play, featuring 30 elegant fours and a towering six. His strike rate of 107.77 highlights his ability to balance patience with aggression, pacing the innings beautifully. He was well-supported by Ishan Pathak, who contributed a crucial 116 runs off 167 balls. Together, Shinde and Pathak built a monumental 318-run partnership for the 6th wicket, which became the turning point of the innings.
The opposition bowlers found no answers to Shinde’s consistent and calculated approach. He built his innings with precision, punishing loose deliveries while respecting the good ones. Together with Pathak, Shinde kept the scoreboard ticking, frustrating the bowlers and giving his team a strong position in the match.
Adding to this achievement is the exciting news that Aayush Shinde has been selected for the Mumbai Under-16 state team squad. This selection is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and consistent performances in the Harris Shield tournament. Representing Mumbai at the state level is a significant milestone for any young cricketer, and Shinde’s recent heroics make him a deserving candidate for this honor.
Shinde’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. From breaking records in one of Mumbai’s most prestigious school cricket tournaments to earning a spot in the state team, his journey reflects his immense potential and determination. Coaches and cricket experts have praised his ability to stay calm under pressure and adapt to different game situations, qualities that will serve him well as he advances in his career.
The young cricketer’s success is not only a personal achievement but also a source of inspiration for budding players across the country. With his consistent performances, Aayush Shinde has become a role model for aspiring cricketers, showing that dedication and passion can lead to remarkable accomplishments.
As he prepares to represent Mumbai in the Under-16 state squad, all eyes will be on this talented young player. Fans and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting his next big performance, both on the school circuit and at the state level.
General Education Academy declared their first innings at 357/6, setting a strong total. In reply, Anjuman Islam High School struggled against the disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for just 150 in their first innings. Following on, they managed to post 209/7 in their second innings but fell short, handing General Education Academy victory on the first-innings lead.
Brief Score of the Match
General Education Academy 357/6Decl.
Aayush Shinde 208, Ishaan Pathak 116
Mohd Arif Zarif 3/48
Anjuman Islam High School 1st Inning 150/10
Vinayak Chaurasiya 68, Achyut Yadav 2/0
Anjuman Islam High School 2nd inning 209/7(f/o)
Vinayak Chaurasiya 50, Aamir 50,
Harsh Nadkar 3/54
In a historic Harris Shield match, Aayush Shinde achieved an extraordinary milestone by scoring 419 runs off just 152 balls for his team against Parle Tilak Vidyalaya. His remarkable innings included 43 fours and 24 towering sixes, making it one of the most memorable performances in the tournament’s history. This outstanding knock makes Shinde the third-highest run-scorer in Harris Shield history, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record. Only Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan have higher scores in the prestigious school cricket competition.
The team, powered by Shinde’s brilliance, posted a mammoth total of 647/5. His aggressive batting left the opposition bowlers helpless and ensured a challenging total that Parle Tilak Vidyalaya could not match.
In reply, Parle Tilak Vidyalaya was bowled out for just 182 runs, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance. Virat Kanojia shone with the ball, delivering a tight spell and taking 3 wickets for only 15 runs in his 8 overs. His accurate and consistent bowling dismantled the opposition’s batting lineup, leaving them with no room to recover.
Aayush Shinde’s innings not only etched his name in the record books but also showcased the rising talent in Indian cricket. His ability to dominate bowlers with ease and play an array of shots across the ground reflects his immense potential.
The match ended in a resounding victory for Shinde’s team, and he was rightly awarded the Player of the Match for his incredible batting display. This performance has set a new benchmark for upcoming cricketers in the Harris Shield tournament and further highlights the tournament’s legacy of nurturing young cricketing talent.
This record-breaking feat will inspire young cricketers across the country, serving as a reminder of the rich talent emerging from grassroots cricket. Aayush Shinde’s heroics are sure to be remembered for years to come, and he has established himself as a player to watch in the future.
The Corporate Trophy A Division final at Wankhede Stadium ended in a heart-stopping finish as Jain Irrigation defeated Route Mobile by 10 runs to claim the title.
Jain Irrigation batted first and posted a daunting total of 218 runs. Jay Bista was the standout performer with a magnificent 85 off 53 balls, while Sairaj Patil (47 off 23) and Aayush Zimare (45 off 21) added valuable contributions to power their team to a big score. Route Mobile’s bowlers, led by Saksham Jha (4-31-3) and Bhushan Talawadekar (3-19-2), worked hard but couldn’t prevent the onslaught.
In reply, Route Mobile gave a spirited chase, with Dhrumil Matkar anchoring the innings with a brilliant 55 off 36 balls. Bhargav Patil also shone with an explosive 46 off 28 balls. Despite their efforts, Jain Irrigation’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs. Jagdish Zope (4-34-3) and Prashant Solanki (4-37-2) delivered key breakthroughs to restrict Route Mobile to 208/6, sealing the victory.
Brief Scores:
Jain Irrigation LTD A: 218/7 (Jay Bista 85, Sairaj Patil 47, Aayush Zimare 45; Saksham Jha 4-31-3, Bhushan Talawadekar 3-19-2)
Route Mobile: 208/6 (Dhrumil Matkar 55, Bhargav Patil 46; Jagdish Zope 4-34-3, Prashant Solanki 4-37-2)
Jain Irrigation emerged as deserving champions in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the last ball.
The Corporate Trophy B Division final saw an impressive performance by CGST & Central Excise Mumbai Zone as they defeated Automotive CC by six wickets to claim the title.
In a highly anticipated final of the Corporate Trophy B Division, CGST & Central Excise Mumbai Zone defeated Automotive CC by six wickets to lift the championship trophy. The match, marked by brilliant individual performances, was a fitting conclusion to the tournament.
Automotive CC, opting to bat first after winning the toss, struggled against CGST’s disciplined bowling. Rahul Kesari held the innings together with a solid 44 off 45 balls, but the team could only manage 102/8 in 20 overs. Deepak Shetty (4-9-3) and Yash Chavan (4-25-2) were the standout bowlers for CGST, choking the opposition with their accurate spells.
In reply, CGST chased down the target in 14.2 overs, thanks to a composed partnership between Tushar Srivastav (33 off 23) and Shreeraj Gharat (36 off 33). The duo batted sensibly, ensuring their team never looked under pressure. For Automotive CC, Deepak Dangi (4-21-1) and Sachin Sanghvi (4-28-1) bowled commendable spells but lacked support.
Yash Chavan was the highest wicket-taker for CGST & Central Excise Mumbai Zone in the tournament, claiming 10 wickets in 5 matches, while Ninad Kadam finished as the team’s highest run-scorer, amassing 186 runs with the average score of 62.00 across 5 matches.
Brief Scores:
Automotive CC: 102/8 (Rahul Kesari 44; Deepak Shetty 4-9-3, Yash Chavan 4-25-2)
CGST & Central Excise: 103/4 in 14.2 overs (Shreeraj Gharat 36, Tushar Srivastav 33; Deepak Dangi 4-21-1, Sachin Sanghvi 4-28-1)
CGST & Central Excise Mumbai Zone emerged deserving champions with a clinical performance.
Nestled in the scenic hills of Dehradun, ProEdge High Performance Centre is making waves in the world of elite cricket training in India. Founded by experienced cricketer and coach Aakash Choudhary, ProEdge is committed to developing young athletes into skilled, well-rounded cricketers who can compete at the highest levels. Choudhary, an ICC Level 1 batting coach with a solid background in sports psychology and sports management, has dedicated his center to an athlete-focused training approach. He brings years of experience playing cricket in India and New Zealand, along with expertise in sports science and coaching.
ProEdge offers a specialized training environment that prepares athletes, especially those aged 16-25, to excel both in India and internationally. With experience coaching over 150 professional cricketers, some of whom have represented their states and even countries, Choudhary has built ProEdge on the principles of mentorship and personalized training. Inspired by his time learning from renowned coach Toby Radford in Cardiff, Choudhary focuses on understanding each athlete’s unique needs and providing individualized guidance. His goal is not only to train cricketers but to mentor them in every aspect of life.
One of Choudhary’s key insights is that athletes in India face unique challenges. The intense competition, cultural factors, and logistical obstacles in India can make it difficult for young players to fully focus on their training. By building trust with his athletes, Choudhary encourages open communication, helping players address both personal and professional issues that might affect their performance.
ProEdge is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support players’ development. Athletes can stay on-site in comfortable lodging and enjoy nutritious, athlete-focused meals. The center includes a high-tech gym and strength-training facility, a video analysis room, and two turf pitches, with plans for an indoor facility. Additionally, ProEdge provides bowling machines and Robo Arms to help players work on precision and reaction speed.
ProEdge has also become a destination for international players through a partnership with Alien Sports Management. Aakash regularly organizes training tours for players from countries like New Zealand, giving them an opportunity to experience Indian conditions and train under his guidance. Even after they return home, Aakash continues to mentor some players remotely, ensuring they stay on track throughout their seasons.
With a focus on high standards, Choudhary and ProEdge are paving the way for young athletes to achieve success in professional cricket. Through technical, physical, and mental conditioning, ProEdge High Performance Centre is building a bridge between domestic talent and global cricket standards, one player at a time.
In a thrilling display of talent and leadership, captain Swapnil Kulaye led Rajasthan Sports Club to victory in the Kanga League E Division, securing their promotion to the D Division. Kulaye, who took an impressive 7 wickets across both innings, bowled 18 overs with figures of 55 runs for 7 wickets, guiding his team to victory over Rizvi Sports Club at Sassanian Azad Maidan. His superb performance, including a 6-wicket haul in the first innings and an additional wicket in the second, was instrumental in Rajasthan’s triumph.
Under Kulaye’s captaincy, the team demonstrated an outstanding all-round performance. Rajasthan’s batsmen also made significant contributions, with Pradnesh Lad scoring 39, Akash Malbari adding 26, Yuvraj Mali contributing 23, and Ravi Shinde scoring a crucial 44. These key scores helped Rajasthan build a strong total that gave them a commanding edge over Rizvi Sports Club.
Rajasthan Sports Club, owned by Ashish Shelar, a well-known MLA, treasurer, and former president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), has a strong foundation. With Shelar’s leadership and support, the club has continued to grow and compete at a high level. Sanjay Nikam, who serves as the club’s mentor, has also played a vital role in guiding and motivating the players, ensuring they reach their potential on the field.
This title win is a significant achievement for Rajasthan Sports Club, as it marks their promotion to the D Division, where they will face tougher competition in the coming season. Captain Swapnil Kulaye’s strong performance and leadership, supported by the dedicated efforts of his teammates, were essential to their success in the league. Kulaye’s skills as both a player and captain have set a promising standard for Rajasthan’s future matches.
Rajasthan Sports Club’s victory highlights the collective effort and guidance that drive the club. With strong backing from Ashish Shelar and mentorship from Sanjay Nikam, the team is well-prepared to take on the challenges of the D Division.
In a thrilling display of young talent, Arham Jain scored a powerful 128 runs in just 72 balls to help V.K. Menon Academy secure a win over Ryan International Kandivali in the Harris Shield Tournament. With his exceptional knock, which included 3 sixes 17 fours, Jain was the standout performer in a match where V.K. Menon Academy put up a commanding total of 460/7. His innings set the tone for the game, showcasing his explosive skills and leaving the crowd in awe.
Opening the batting with caution, Jain soon picked up the pace, blasting boundaries all around the ground. As he settled into his innings, he displayed a mix of elegant drives, sharp cuts, and flicks that repeatedly pierced the gaps. His precise shot placement and quick footwork kept the scoreboard ticking rapidly. Despite his aggressive approach, Jain batted with composure, rotating the strike and maintaining pressure on Ryan International’s bowlers.
Jain’s score of 128 was the highest of the match, but he wasn’t the only player from V.K. Menon Academy to impress. Gandharva Bhike also played a vital role, scoring an unbeaten 102. Bhike’s composed century added stability to the innings, balancing Jain’s rapid scoring with a steady hand. Together, they provided a solid foundation for V.K. Menon Academy, propelling the team to an impressive total of 460/7.
Facing a daunting target, Ryan International Kandivali struggled to keep up with the required run rate, with the pressure from the massive total weighing heavily on their chase. Ultimately, V.K. Menon Academy emerged victorious, thanks largely to the combined efforts of Jain and Bhike.
This match will surely be remembered for the outstanding batting performances, particularly Jain’s 128 off 68 balls, which electrified the game and highlighted his potential as a rising star in youth cricket. His powerful performance and Bhike’s consistent partnership secured V.K. Menon Academy’s win and have put both young players on the radar as talents to watch in the future.
Young cricket sensation Arham Jain continued his excellent form in the Harris Shield Tournament, following up his 128-run performance with another remarkable century. In his second match, playing for V.K. Menon Academy, Jain scored 100 off just 68 balls, hitting 17 boundaries in an impressive innings against Vidya Vikasini English High School, Vasai.
Jain’s aggressive approach was evident from the start, as he capitalized on every scoring opportunity. His precise placement and powerful strokes allowed him to dominate the bowlers once again, just as he had in his first match against Ryan International Kandivali, where he scored a blistering 128. This latest century solidifies his position as one of the tournament’s top performers, leaving fans and coaches eager to see more from this emerging talent.
On the final day and final match of the Kanga League, Maskati faced off against Dahisar Sports Club in a nail-biting thriller that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Winning the toss, Maskati opted to bowl first, a decision that initially appeared questionable as Dahisar Sports Club got off to an exceptional start. Despite losing a wicket early, the partnership between Rushil Parkar and Aakash Mangade blossomed into a remarkable 190-run stand. Dahisar ultimately declared their innings at a formidable 212 for 5 after 47 overs.
Dahisar Sports Club believed that a total of 212 would be sufficient to secure a comfortable first innings lead. However, Maskati had different plans. Openers Sarth Waghela and the explosive Saqib Mulani forged an unbelievable 188-run partnership, combining aggressive batting with strategic defense to navigate the chase. Saqib Mulani emerged as the standout batsman, showcasing his aggression and skill. He scored a masterful century, making 121 runs off just 100 balls, including 12 exquisite fours and 4 powerful sixes.
His opening partner, Sarth Waghela, contributed significantly as well, scoring a solid 83 runs with 11 boundaries and a six.
Just when it seemed Maskati was cruising towards victory, the match took a dramatic turn. They lost two crucial wickets, including that of Sarth Waghela, and their captain fell for a duck, leaving the team in a precarious position. With 18 runs required from just 12 balls, Saqib hit a six, propelling Maskati to 13 runs in that over. As the final over approached, Maskati needed 6 runs to take the lead and secure three crucial points. In a tense moment, with 2 runs required from 2 balls, Saqib was caught out, leaving the new batsman at the crease to face the pressure.
Now, the equation was 2 runs required from just 1 ball. Maskati’s seasoned batsman, Pratik Manjrekar, stepped up to the challenge and delivered under pressure, striking the ball for a four. This pivotal hit not only secured the first innings lead for Maskati but also clinched the vital 3 points they had been striving for throughout the tournament.
The players delivered an exceptionally thrilling performance, defying expectations and shocking Dahisar Sports Club with their resilience and determination. The tenacity displayed by the Maskati team was nothing short of remarkable, highlighting their growth and competitive spirit in this season of the Kanga League. As the tournament concludes, Maskati’s incredible journey will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to their hard work and talent.
In a remarkable season of the Kanga League, Shivaji Park Youngsters Sports Club have triumphed as the champions of the B Division, earning promotion to the A Division. Under the leadership of Salil Agarkar and Nikhil Patil, the team achieved an extraordinary feat, having been promoted to B Division just a year prior. Not only did they clinch the B Division title, but they also secured their place in the A Division—a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Throughout the entire season, the Youngsters remained undefeated, and in the final match of the Kanga League, they secured a crucial first innings lead to earn three vital points, thereby becoming the B Division champions.
A standout performer for the Youngsters was left-arm spinner Kunal Thorat, who emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the division. Time and again, he provided vital breakthroughs for the team, leading the bowling attack with confidence and skill. It is safe to say that Kunal Thorat’s stellar performance was instrumental in driving the Youngsters to this championship victory.
Reflecting on the final match of the league, Regal Cricket Club won the toss and chose to invite the Youngsters to bat first. The Youngsters posted a total of 140 runs before being bowled out. Akshay Ambike of Regal made a significant impact, claiming five wickets. In response, Regal’s batting lineup crumbled, managing to score only 61 runs before being bowled out. Kunal Thorat shone once again, taking an impressive seven wickets for just 18 runs in his seven overs. Following this performance, the Youngsters secured the first innings lead, leading to a match that concluded in a draw.
Shivaji Park Youngsters finished the season with 12 points from five matches, having drawn all their games—four of which were on first innings leads—demonstrating their resilience and competitive spirit. Having been promoted just a year ago, the team has rebuilt itself remarkably and has competed at a high level with great success. The dedication shown by the players throughout the season is nothing short of brilliant. Their commitment, from rigorous off-season practice to their performances in matches, has been a spectacle to behold. Another key contributor to this success has been Salil Agarkar, who excelled in the initial matches and played a pivotal role in the team’s achievements. One should also thank the people who made it possible, the support staff as well as team manager Wahid Shaikh who supported the team throughout the tournament.
The extraordinary journey of Shivaji Park Youngsters is one that everyone can take pride in and be inspired by. We look forward to seeing them bring the same intensity and determination to the A Division next year.