Mumbai, January 31, 2025 – In a thrilling encounter at Young Zorastrian, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School emerged victorious against Dahisar Vidya Mandir by six wickets in the MI Inter School Cricket Tournament 2024-25.
This outstanding achievement was made possible by the unwavering support of President Padmshree Dr. Zahir Kazi Sir, whose dedication has been instrumental in nurturing a strong cricketing culture at the school. His vision and encouragement have been the foundation of the team’s growth and success.
Additionally, the team’s accomplishments were fueled by the expert coaching of former Indian cricketer Ghulam Parkar and Kadir Patel, whose strategic insights have played a crucial role in shaping young talents.
After winning the toss, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School elected to field first. Their bowlers delivered an impressive performance, restricting Dahisar Vidya Mandir to 145 all out in 38.1 overs.
Dahisar Vidya Mandir’s Batting Performance
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Dahisar Vidya Mandir managed to post a competitive total, thanks to notable contributions from:
Ayush Yadav – 36 runs off 46 balls (4 fours)
Parth Tyagi – 36 runs off 50 balls (3 fours)
Smit Karkar – 30 runs off 45 balls (4 fours)
Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School’s Bowling Attack
The bowlers kept constant pressure on the opposition, led by:
Vedan Kadu – 4 wickets for 36 runs in 8 overs
Aarav Yadav – 2 wickets for 13 runs in 6.1 overs
Salman Khan – 2 wickets for 14 runs in 8 overs
Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School’s Chase
Chasing 146 for victory, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School dominated with the bat, reaching 148/4 in 27.2 overs. The highlight of the innings was a match-winning knock by Arhaan Patel, who remained unbeaten on 90 runs off 93 balls, including 16 boundaries.
Match Result
Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School comfortably won the match by six wickets, securing an important victory in the tournament.
Man of the Match
For his outstanding batting display, Arhaan Patel was adjudged Man of the Match.
A School Committed to Sporting Excellence
Under the leadership of Principal Rizwana Satare,Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School has consistently excelled in both academics and sports. The school prioritizes the growth of student-athletes by providing top-notch cricketing facilities, including bats, balls, pitches, and access to training grounds at Azad Maidan.
Pioneers of Cricket at Anjuman-I-Islam
The school’s cricketing success would not have been possible without the efforts of Abid Khan Sir and Vaheed Shaikh Sir, the driving forces behind its cricketing foundation. These two stalwarts initiated and built the cricketing culture at Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School , laying the groundwork for the school’s current dominance in Mumbai’s school cricket circuit. Today, they continue to play a crucial role as cricket coordinators, ensuring the program remains at the forefront of excellence.
The Young Comrade Shield 2024-25 witnessed a commanding performance from Payyade Sports Club, who secured a 277-run victory over Regal Sports Club at Karnataka Cross Maidan. The match was headlined by a breathtaking innings from Prasad Pawar, who continued his fine form with a match-winning century.
Payyade SC Posts Mammoth 448 in First Innings
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Payyade SC put up a formidable total of 448 runs in 70 overs. Prasad Pawar led the charge with a scintillating 164 off 121 balls, striking 21 fours and a six. He found strong support from Bhupen Lalwani, who crafted a well-made 85 off 108 balls, ensuring their team took full control of the game.
Regal SC Falters Under Pressure
In response, Regal Sports Club struggled to counter Payyade’s disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for 171 runs on the second day. This gave Payyade SC a resounding 277-run victory, reinforcing their dominance in the tournament.
Prasad Pawar’s Consistency Shines Through
This wasn’t the first time Prasad Pawar stole the limelight. In the previous match, playing for Mumbai Customs Cricket Club, he had smashed a blistering 101 off just 56 balls against Pune CGST, which helped Mumbai Customs successfully chase down 222 runs and win by 7 wickets.
With 265 runs in two matches, including two centuries, Prasad Pawar is proving to be a standout performer in Mumbai’s cricketing circuit, showcasing his ability to dominate across formats. As the Young Comrade Shield continues, his form will be crucial for Payyade SC’s success in the tournament.
One of the most difficult job for any cricketer is to remain consistent in all series. Some players may score tons and tons of runs in a particular tournament, and they may later fail in other tournaments due to lack of consistency. But that is not the case with Sidhaant Aadhhathrao. Having an average of above 50 in all formats has become bread and butter for this batter. In this article, we will showcase the exceptional talent that is Sidhaant Aadhhathrao
Representing the PJ Hindu Gymkhana in the A-Division Cricket Club, Sidhaant Aadhhathrao’s 2024-25 season was nothing short of spectacular. Scoring a mammoth 882 runs in 12 matches (13 innings) is no joke. Here’s a breakdown of his wonderful performance.
In two opportunities he got in the Kanga League, he scored 102 runs. He first smashed 62 runs against New Hindu Sporting Club and then a crucial 40 against DY Patil.
Sidhaant Aadhhathrao was the second highest run-getter in the Purshottam Shield Cricket Tournament with his most notable performance coming in the 3rd match against CCI. He scored 150 runs in that game
In the lone match he played in Comrade Shield, he fell just one run short off a 100 against New Hindu Sporting Club.
When it comes to Police Invitation Shield Tournament, he was excellent in the knockouts stage. With scores of 136 against New Hind and 89 (1st Innings) + 33 (2nd Innings) in the finals, along with being the 3rd highest run-getter in the series, this is a clear indication of why Sidhaant Aadhhathrao is the MVP for PJ Hindu Gymkhana.
In a historic moment for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vidyalaya, the school has reached the finals of the prestigious Giles Shield for the first time. The team has remained unbeaten in the tournament, playing a total of nine matches, including five knockout rounds, three league games, and a thrilling semi-final victory.
The remarkable journey of the school has been shaped under the expert guidance of head coach Jayesh Utekar, who also leads Saeesh Cricket Academy. Recognizing the players’ endurance issues in previous seasons, Coach Utekar placed a strong emphasis on hardcore fitness, strength, and stamina training over the past year. His rigorous practice schedule included daily practice matches, maximum fielding drills, and specialized short-ball training for bowlers—a strategy that has paid off spectacularly.
One of the key highlights of their campaign has been their dominant bowling attack, which consistently restricted opponents to scores below 160 runs, making them one of the most formidable sides in the tournament.
Star Performers Shine Bright
Several players have stepped up to deliver outstanding performances throughout the tournament
- Advit Tiwari has been a standout player with his all-round brilliance, scoring 183, 118, 76,* 93* Runs and taking a stunning 31 wickets.
- Aayush Chavan has been lethal with the ball, claiming 32 wickets, including three five-wicket hauls.
- Sanmit Kothmire has provided crucial runs for the team, scoring two centuries along with multiple half-centuries.
The team has also received strong support from their assistant coaches—Ganesh Palkar, Raju Adagale, and Rakesh Kumar, who have played a vital role in the team’s tactical and technical improvements.
Finals at the Iconic Wankhede Stadium
Now, the team stands on the brink of glory as they prepare for the grand finale at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. This achievement marks a historic milestone for the school and is a testament to the relentless hard work, discipline, and dedication instilled by Coach Jayesh Utekar and his staff.
With their momentum and confidence at an all-time high, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Vidyalaya is ready to give its all in the finals and aim for its first-ever Giles Shield title. The entire school and supporters eagerly await what could be a landmark victory in their cricketing history.
In a thrilling Corporation Shield 2024-25 encounter, Datamatics edged past Oriental Insurance by 11 runs, thanks to a sensational spell by Shashank Jadhav, who claimed a match-winning hattrick.
Winning the toss, Datamatics opted to bat first but struggled against a disciplined bowling attack. Despite their efforts, they managed to post a modest total of 135 runs in 20 overs. The innings never gained momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals, making it a challenging task for their bowlers to defend the total.
However, the second innings saw Shashank Jadhav turn the game on its head with a brilliant spell of 4 overs, conceding just 21 runs and picking up 4 crucial wickets, including a stunning hattrick. His fiery spell dismantled the middle order of Oriental Insurance, who were on course to chase down the target.
Despite a fighting effort from Oriental Insurance’s batsmen, they fell short, managing only 126 runs, handing Datamatics an 11-run victory.
Shashank Jadhav match-winning performance proved to be the defining moment, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure. His hattrick turned the tide in Datamatics favor, ensuring a hard-fought win in the tournament.
With this victory, Datamatics will be looking to carry forward the momentum, while Oriental Insurance will aim to bounce back stronger in their upcoming fixtures.
Cricket gives everyone a second chance. It has always been a sport known for making comebacks. Be it Rohit Sharma, who became a mega-star after being promoted top of the order in 2013 to
Steve Smith and David Warner after the entire sandpaper fiasco, one can be assured that there is always a safe space when it comes to the sport followed by millions. One such story of comebacks is
highlighted in Sandeep Kunchikor‘s life. In this article, we will explore how Sandeep’s unwavering determination and passion for the sport helped him attain splendour.
Born and brought up in Mumbai, Sandeep Kunchikor was well aware of the challenges Mumbai’s pitches brought. For six years, MIG Cricket Club were blessed with the talent Sandeep Kunchikor displayed.
He was also a part of Parkophene Cricketers and National Cricket Club. He represented Sobo Supersonic team in the Mumbai Premier League (Season 2). He was a swashbuckling opener and the bowlers would
tremble just by his mere presence on the pitch. He also played in the Muslim United (B Division) which is a part of the Azad Maidan Cricket Club.
Sandeep also says his thanks to the MIG Cricket Club, “MIG Cricket Club has always supported me in my tough times. Without their support, it would have been a lot more difficult to get to the stage where I am. They kept their trust on me and I will be forever grateful for them.”
One of his most notable achievements came in the Police Invitation Shield Tournament. A mammoth 550 runs in just 5 matches which included 4 tons made Sandeep Kunchikor a force to be reckoned with.
Datta Mithbhavkar, who was the head of National Cricket Club also was an important part of helping Sandeep Kunchikor.
CORPORATE CRICKET:
When it comes to Corporate level of Cricket, he played in Times Shield A-Division and performed brilliantly for 12 years for Nirlon company.
Sandeep has not only restricted himself to the Indian borders but also has performed exceptionally well overseas. He played first-class cricket for Sri Lanka. He was also doing exceptionally well
for Kenya and came very close to representing the national team in the World Cup qualifiers.
Everyone needs a god-father if one wants to achieve a certain level of accolades. For Sandeep Kunchikor, it was Dr Shetty along with Rahul Sagar who played a crucial role in giving him the much needed platform. Dr Shetty being the President of MCA and also the owner of Payyade Sports Club, Sandeep’s cricketing journey was massively boosted thanks to Dr Shetty’s involvement.
“I am also thankful to Igbal Javed, owner of Muslim United Cricket Club. I am currently playing under them and also for RBI. But the way Javed ji has lent his support has been like a blessing. I am enjoying my time here and hope I contribute as much as possible. Also, special mention to Jwala Singh and Pushpendra sir. They have also been my constant companions in the form of mentors during my time in first-class cricket in Sri Lanka
In a gripping encounter at Sainath Sports Club, Virar, New Hindu emerged victorious against Sainath Sports Club in the Young Comrade Shield match, securing a hard-fought three-wicket win. The star of the match was undoubtedly Monil Soni, whose all-round brilliance turned the game in New Hindu’s favor when the odds seemed stacked against them.
Chasing a competitive target, New Hindu found themselves in trouble at 123/5, staring at a potential defeat. With the pressure mounting, Monil Soni walked in and played a match-defining knock, stabilizing the innings with a composed yet impactful 80 off 105 balls. His ability to absorb pressure and rotate the strike effectively ensured that New Hindu stayed in the hunt. Partnering with other key contributors, he anchored the chase and guided his team towards victory.
Monil Soni wasn’t just exceptional with the bat—he made significant contributions with the ball as well. Earlier in the match, he delivered a disciplined bowling performance, conceding just 74 runs while picking up two crucial wickets. His all-round effort played a pivotal role in restricting Sainath SC to 287, giving his side a fighting chance in the chase.
While Monil’s heroics stood out, cricket is always a team game, and New Hindu had other key performers who played vital roles in securing the win. Ravi Chaudhary showcased resilience with a well-crafted 70 off 126 balls, while Harsh Ubale provided crucial support with a steady 49 off 76 balls. Their contributions added depth to the chase and relieved some pressure off Monil Soni, helping the team cross the finish line successfully.
On the other side, Sainath SC put up a competitive total, thanks to a magnificent century from Yash Chavan. His well-compiled knock laid a solid foundation for his team, ensuring they reached a formidable 287. Chavan’s brilliance wasn’t limited to his batting; he was equally effective with the ball, producing an economical spell and finishing with figures of 3/97 in 29.5 overs. Despite his valiant efforts, New Hindu managed to outclass Sainath SC in the final moments of the game.
In the end, it was a well-fought contest, but Monil Soni’s all-round brilliance proved to be the difference. His ability to perform under pressure with both bat and ball made him the standout player, guiding New Hindu to a memorable victory in the Young Comrade Shield
Mumbai, January 27, 2025 – The remarkable success of Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School in school cricket is a testament to the unwavering support of President Padmshree Dr. Zahir Kazi Sir, who has played a pivotal role in fostering a strong cricketing culture at the institution. His vision and encouragement have been the cornerstone of the team’s growth and achievements, enabling young cricketers to excel on the field.
Further fueling this success is the meticulous coaching of Ghulam Parkar, a former Indian cricketer, and Kadir Patel, whose tactical insights and dedication have been instrumental in shaping young talents. Coach Kadir Patel’s strategic approach, keen eye for talent, and relentless commitment to player development have significantly contributed to the school’s dominance in Mumbai’s school cricket circuit.
A Nail-Biting Contest at Oval Maidan
In the Mumbai Indians Inter-School Cricket Tournament. (Season 5), Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School secured a thrilling one-wicket victory over Dnyandeep Seva Mandal High School at Elphinstone, Oval Maidan.
Winning the toss, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School elected to bowl first, and their bowlers responded brilliantly. Dnyandeep Seva Mandal High School was bowled out for 128 in 32.5 overs, with Atul Chaudhary (23 off 26 balls) and Chirag Luhach (20 off 34 balls) being the top contributors. Anjuman’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Arhaan Patel (3/17), Vedant Kadu (3/19), and Aarav Yadav (3/22), dismantled the opposition’s batting lineup.
Chasing 129, Anjuman faced stiff resistance as wickets fell at regular intervals. However, crucial contributions from Aarav Yadav (25 off 41), Darshav Ojha (19 off 27), and Arhaan Syed (19 off 39) ensured they crossed the finish line in 33.2 overs, despite a spirited effort from Umair Nadeem (3/30) and Virat Yadav (2/21). Aarav Yadav’s all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award.
A School Committed to Sporting Excellence
Under the leadership of Principal Rizwana Satare, Anjuman I Islam Allana English High School has consistently excelled in both academics and sports. The school prioritizes the growth of student-athletes by providing top-notch cricketing facilities, including bats, balls, pitches, and access to training grounds at Azad Maidan.
With a strong cricketing foundation, the school has dominated the MI Junior Under-14 category, winning back-to-back championships for the past two years, and finished as runners-up in the Under-16 division. Additionally, they have made a mark in prestigious tournaments like the Harris Shield and Giles Shield.
With the combined efforts of Dr. Zahir Kazi Sir, Principal Rizwana Satare, and coaches Ghulam Parkar and Kadir Patel, Anjuman I Islam Allana English School continues to nurture young cricketing talent and solidify its reputation as a powerhouse in Mumbai’s school cricket circuit.
Mira Bhayandar, Mumbai – A seasoned cricketer and dedicated mentor, Nandu Jadhav has been shaping young cricketing talent through his Rising Star Cricket Academy in Mira Bhayandar. With 24 years of experience in the aviation industry, Jadhav brings a disciplined and structured approach to coaching, helping young cricketers develop their skills and make a mark in Mumbai’s competitive cricketing circuit.
A Cricketer with a Rich Playing Career
Before transitioning into coaching, Nandu Jadhav was an accomplished player himself. He played in B Division of the prestigious Kanga League, Times Shield, and several corporate tournaments. He also participated in the Airlines Cricket Tournament, representing major companies like Sahara Airlines and FedEx Cargo Courier. His experience in high-level competitive cricket has given him a deep understanding of the game, which he now imparts to aspiring cricketers.
The Birth of Risinng Star Cricket Academyy
Understanding the need for structured cricket coaching in the Mira Bhayandar region, Jadhav established Risinng Star Cricket Academyy . Under his leadership, the academy has become a hub for young boys and girls aiming to break into the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) circuit. Many academy players have already been selected and performed in MCA tournaments, proving the effectiveness of Jadhav’s training methods.
Achievements of Risinng Star Cricket Academyy
Under Coach Nandu Jadhav‘s guidance, Risinng Star Cricket Academyy has not only produced talented players but also won several prestigious tournaments. Some of the academy’s key achievements include:
- MCA Ghosh Trophy U-16 (Boys) – KRP XI were runners-up under Coach Jadhav’s mentorship.
- Under-12 Little Champ Cricket Tournament (Dombivli) – The academy’s young players showcased outstanding performances.
- Under-14 Late Shrimati Shaila B. Thakur Cricket Tournament (Virar) – Another milestone for the academy, proving its ability to groom talent across age groups.
- Under-12 Boys Tournament (BCC PSA Vasai) – The academy continued its dominance at the grassroots level.
- Participation in MCA-Affiliated Matches Like Kanga League – Several Rising Star players are regularly competing in MCA tournaments, a testament to the academy’s quality training.
Training Facilities & Vision
- Regular Practice Sessions: Held at Bhayandar East, ensuring continuous skill development.
- Monsoon Training: Conducted at an indoor turf in Bhayandar West, keeping players active throughout the year.
- Focus on MCA Selection: The academy has successfully trained multiple players who have secured spots in MCA tournaments.
- Supporting financially disadvantaged players by providing free coaching, donating kits, and offering assistance.
Building the Future of Mumbai Cricket
Coach Nandu Jadhav remains committed to his vision of developing young cricketers and preparing them for higher levels of the game. His academy not only provides technical coaching but also instills discipline, teamwork, and a winning mindset in players.
With multiple tournament victories and MCA selections, Risinng Star Cricket Academyy is proving to be one of the best grooming grounds for young cricketers in Mira Bhayandar and beyond.
In an exciting contest at Young Zoroastrian, Mumbai, MCCA emerged victorious against Goal Cricket Academy (GCA) by a narrow margin of 9 runs. The match saw a stellar performance from MCCA’s captain, Jagdish, who played a breathtaking knock of 150 runs off 107 balls, laced with 27 boundaries.
Winning the toss, MCCA elected to bat first and posted a competitive total of 255/8. Jagdish led from the front, anchoring the innings with his brilliant strokeplay and aggressive intent. His innings proved to be the difference-maker, as despite a strong fightback from GCA, MCCA managed to defend their total successfully.
Master Class Cricket Academy’s Influence on Jagdish’s Performance
Jagdish, who trains at Master Class Cricket Academy in CST Azad Maidan, has been honing his skills under the expert guidance of coach Abhay Upadhyay, the founder and head coach of the academy. Coach Abhay has been instrumental in shaping young talents, and Jagdish’s outstanding performance is a testament to the quality training at Master Class Cricket Academy
Coach Abhay Upadhyay, known for his disciplined coaching methods and technical expertise, has been nurturing cricketers and helping them transition into competitive cricket. His academy has been a hub for aspiring players looking to refine their skills and compete at higher levels.
A Hard-Fought Victory for MCCA
Despite a spirited chase from Goal Cricket Academy, MCCA’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs, ensuring their side clinched the win by 9 runs. Jagdish’s match-winning century not only secured the victory but also highlighted his immense potential as a cricketer.
With performances like this, Jagdish is undoubtedly a player to watch in Mumbai’s cricket circuit, and his training at Master Class Cricket Academy under Coach Abhay Upadhyay is playing a crucial role in his development.
This match reaffirms the importance of structured coaching in shaping young talents, and with mentors like Abhay Upadhyay, Mumbai continues to produce promising cricketers for the future.