Mumbai Police delivered a composed run chase to beat National Cricket Club by four wickets, thanks to standout performances from Yogesh Shinde and Suraj Shinde.
National CC posted 302 for 9 in 45 overs, but Mumbai Police bowlers kept breaking partnerships at the right moments. Yogesh Patil and Suraj Shinde grabbed three wickets each, while Amol Tanpure chipped in with two.
The chase turned into a show of batting discipline and smart shot selection. Yogesh Shinde took charge in the middle overs, crafting a steady and crucial 101 off 115 balls, including 11 fours. His innings held the chase together and kept Mumbai Police ahead of the required rate.
At the other end, Suraj Shinde backed it up with a fluent 64, making sure the pressure never built up. Their partnership proved to be the turning point of the match.
Captain Rohit Pol had earlier set the platform with 80 off 72 balls, giving his side the start they needed.
Mumbai Police reached the target in 43 overs, sealing a confident win and underlining the impact of Yogesh and Suraj Shinde on both ends of the game.
Manikpur Cricket Club earned a smooth win over SV Cricket Club in the Late Dayanand Mhapankar Smruti Chasak, thanks to a standout performance from Aryan Mandavkar.
SV CC batted first but could manage only 120 runs in 32 overs. The downfall began early, and Aryan took charge with a brilliant spell. He picked up 3 key wickets in his 8 overs, breaking the backbone of SV CC’s innings. His control, accuracy, and ability to strike at the right moments kept the opposition under constant pressure.
Tejas Mankar supported him well with 2 wickets in 4 overs, and Ayaan Pathan added another 2 wickets from his 5 overs. With the bowlers working in sync, SV CC never found momentum.
Chasing 120, Manikpur Cricket Club completed the job with ease, showing confidence and composure throughout the innings.
For his match-changing spell and early breakthroughs, Aryan Mandavkar was awarded Man of the Match, rightly earning the spotlight in Manikpur CC’s victory.
Rising Star Cricket Academy had a strong outing in the Tiny Titans U12 T20 Cup, winning both their matches with confident all-round performances. What this really means is that the boys showed good discipline, skill, and team spirit something their coach, Nandu Jadhav, has been building for years.
In the first match against Galaxy Cricket Academy, Rising Star batted first and put up 94 runs. It looked like a low score for a 20-over game, but here’s the thing: their bowlers stepped up in style. Harsheet Patil set the tone early by taking two important wickets and keeping things tight with a very economical spell. Rising Star batted first and put up 94 runs. They kept things tight, took wickets at the right moments, and bowled out Galaxy Cricket Academy for 68 runs. That gave Rising Star a 26-run win.
The second match against Elite Cricket Academy turned into a confident chase. Elite set a target of 125 in 20 overs. Rising Star’s reply was steady and smart. Numair Shaik played the anchor role beautifully, scoring a well-made 54 off 47 balls. The team reached 126 in 19 overs and won by 7 wickets.
Every player in this squad trains under head coach Nandu Jadhav, whose focus on basics, discipline, and match awareness is clearly showing on the field. These back-to-back wins highlight not just the team’s talent but also the guidance and structure they receive at Rising Star Cricket Academy.
The academy continues to build young players who understand the game, stay calm in pressure moments, and enjoy their cricket—exactly what youth cricket should look like.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar School Vikhroli took charge right from the toss in their Harris Shield/ Giles Shield clash against Green Lawns High School. They chose to bat first and piled up a massive 441 runs.
The highlight of the innings was S. Shivam, who played a stunning knock of 202. Darshav Ojha added 74, and T. Riyan chipped in with 53, giving their team a huge total to defend.
Green Lawns High School struggled in the chase. They were dismissed for 25, undone by a fiery spell from Aayush Chavan, who picked up 8 wickets. Jegger Goda supported him well with 2 wickets, wrapping up the innings quickly.
With this dominant performance, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar School sealed a massive 416-run win, stamping their authority on the tournament. Their head coach, Jayesh Uttekar, has clearly shaped a side that plays with confidence and discipline.
A statement win, a standout double hundred, and a bowling performance that crushed the chase — Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar School made this match their own.
Here’s the thing. Some matches bend early, and this one did the moment Hill Spring International handed the new ball to their captain, Vansh Dhawangale’s opening spell changed the match right away and helped Hill Spring International earn a comfortable Four-wicket win over The Green Acres Academy.
Green Acres batted first after Hill Spring chose to field. The innings never really settled. Vansh came in with intent, hit the right lengths, and ripped through their top and middle order with four wickets in eight overs. Every time Green Acres tried to build something, he broke it apart.
Aryan Parolia backed him up well with three wickets in four overs, while Vansh Taparia added two more from his five. The trio kept the pressure tight, and Green Acres folded for 136 in 25 overs.
What this really means is that the chase was already halfway done before the batters walked in.
Hill Spring approached the target with calm. Arhaan Dholakia anchored the innings with a solid 40, while Vansh chipped in again with a steady 19. The remaining batters completed the job smoothly, crossing the line in 21 overs and sealing a six-wicket victory.
The story of the day, though, belonged to Vansh Dhawangale. A captain’s spell that turned control into dominance, and a performance that put him right at the center of the match narrative exactly where good leaders often find themselves.
RCC U16 XI and RCC Kamothe Navi Mumbai played out a wild contest, the kind of match that stays with you long after stumps. RCC U16 XI won the toss, batted first, and piled up a massive 417 in 57 overs. On most days, that’s enough to break the back of any chase.
Here’s the thing the second innings flipped the script.
RCC Kamothe Navi Mumbai didn’t just chase 417. They hunted it down in only 39 overs, thanks to a jaw-dropping innings from Aayush Shinde. He walked out with intent, found his rhythm early, and never let go. By the end of it, he had smashed 323 off 163 balls, peppered with 44 boundaries and 16 sixes. It was the kind of knock that bends a match to one player’s will.
What this really means is simple: this was domination of the highest order.
Nikhil Ahirwal played the perfect supporting role with a steady 63 off 58 balls, keeping the momentum rolling while Shinde tore through the attack. Their partnership sealed the chase with six wickets in hand and turned a steep target into a statement win.
To encourage and promote women’s cricket, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has launched a wonderful initiative an extensive talent-hunt program aimed at identifying the finest young female cricketers from Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, the regions under MCA’s jurisdiction.
Among the many centres, I had the opportunity to closely observe and experience the program conducted at the Union Cricket Academy, Kalyan.
On the very first day, nearly 160 girls, all under the age of 15, arrived along with their parents. Despite the overwhelming numbers, the management team at Union Cricket Academy carried out the entire registration process with remarkable planning and discipline.
The ground selected for the Vidyavihar zone players was excellent.
The centre was equipped with:
Three pitches and nets exclusively for trials
Eight nets—four on each side—for drills and knocking
Shaded seating for parents
Changing rooms for girls
Separate, clean washrooms for men and women
A medical team available at all times for heat-related issues or injuries
A fully equipped ambulance with a nursing staff, ready for emergencies
It is common for new players to feel intense pressure during selections. I personally witnessed a young player who felt unwell due to stress. The on-site doctor examined her, ensured she stabilised, and then the selector himself encouraged her before she performed again. This humane approach was truly admirable.
The most significant role at the centre was played by the Chief Selector, Mr. Dahad
All parents and players were first called together. A tall, disciplined, and striking personality stepped forward and his personality instantly reflecting MCA’s professionalism and vision. He introduced himself, his team members, and their respective responsibilities. He also explained what MCA stands for, the purpose of the talent hunt, and what the association aims to achieve through this initiative.
One striking observation was the complete absence of unnecessary harshness or shouting at parents, something seen at many other selection camps.
Mr. Dahad and his team conducted the entire process with absolute sincerity and clarity, leaving no room for confusion.
From morning till 5 pm, every single ball bowled in both nets was watched by Mr.Sandip Dahad himself sometimes from behind the nets, sometimes from the front. He gave each girl ample opportunity to showcase her potential, without haste, frustration, or undue strictness.
Before announcing the final selections, he once again gathered all players and parents, listened to their thoughts, and allowed the girls to freely interact with the coaches and selectors. This openness boosted the confidence of many first-time participants.
The female coach, the female administrator, and another selector accompanying him also provided valuable guidance and encouragement, playing an important role in emotionally supporting the young players.
Finally I remember few
Mr. Sandip Dahad’s lines that stayed with me were:
You have to stay seated in the train of performance.”
&
“ Fortune favors the brave but injury never favors.
Overall, even though my daughter was not selected, witnessing such a transparent, disciplined, and sincere selection process helped me understand why Mumbai cricketers are known for their tough, resilient mindset.
Next year, she will definitely come back stronger and better prepared.
A heartfelt thank you to the Mumbai Cricket Association for organizing such an exceptional talent hunt.
We will definitely return with even greater determination next time.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar marched to a dominant nine-wicket win over Central Zone in the MCA U-14 Men’s Invitation Tournament, powered by a sensational all-round bowling display from Tanmay Aurade.
Central Zone won the toss and chose to bat, but their innings never found any stability. Tanmay Aurade ran through the batting order with the precision and rhythm you usually associate with long-format cricket. He finished with a remarkable ten wickets in ten overs, leaving Central Zone bowled out for just 89.
Sambhajinagar responded with a composed effort, putting 170 Runs on the board and tightening their grip on the contest.
Central Zone showed some grit in their second outing, posting 185 Runs, but Aurade wasn’t done yet. The young player came back for another long spell, picking up four more wickets while sending down 20 overs, lifting his match tally to a stunning 14 wickets.
Chasing a target of 105 Runs, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar knocked off the runs with ease, finishing at 108 and sealing a comprehensive nine-wicket victory.
Tanmay Aurade’s marathon performance stood out as the defining story of the match. His 10-for in the first innings and four-wicket haul in the second shaped the momentum from start to finish, marking one of the standout spells of the tournament so far.
Wellington Cricket Club put on a commanding show in the Cosmopolitan Shield, outplaying Mahim Juvenile Sport club with a 166-run win that never looked in doubt.
Batting first, Wellington posted 242 for 5 in 45 overs. The innings belonged to Yuvraj Mali, who paced his knock beautifully and reached a superb 101 off 132 balls. He kept the board moving with eight boundaries and two clean hits over the rope. Kabir Nansi backed him up with a lively 44 off 42 balls, peppering the attack with seven fours.
Once the bowlers came on, the game shifted even further in Wellington’s favour. Mahim Juvenile Sports Club were rolled over for 76 as Aarav Zagde ripped through the middle order with a sensational spell of 4 wickets in 5 overs. Kabir Nansi continued his all-round day with 3 wickets in just 4 overs, tightening the screws every time he got the ball.
Here’s the thing: all three standout performers Yuvraj, Kabir and Aarav are products of Sanjeevani Cricket Academy, training under the experienced eye of coach Satish Samant. Their impact on this match was clear, and it says a lot about the academy’s ability to groom players who can step up when it matters.
Wellington CC walks away with a big win, and Sanjeevani Cricket Academy walks away with a proud moment of its own.
Delhi stitched together a professional four-innings win over Bihar in their Cooch Behar Trophy Elite match, wrapping up the contest by 8 wickets after dominating every major phase of the game.
Batting first, Delhi laid the foundation with a patient and disciplined effort. Aaryavir Sehwag opened the tone with a composed 72 off 120 balls, playing within himself and leaving well outside off. At the other end, Pranav Pant anchored the middle phase with a solid 89 from 141 deliveries, keeping the innings steady through long passages of play. Dhanya Nakra added vital momentum with his fluent 77 off 99 balls, mixing assured strokeplay with a steady temperament, rotating the strike smartly and keeping the scoreboard moving during a crucial phase of the innings., a total built on classic red-ball virtues time at the crease, partnerships, and shot selection.
Bihar’s reply never really settled. Delhi’s attack kept hitting the right lengths, drawing edges and forcing errors on a surface that kept getting trickier through the day. Bihar folded for 125 in the first innings, leaving a sizeable deficit that only grew heavier as the match progressed.
Asked to follow on, Bihar showed far more resistance in the second innings. Their batters fought through long spells and pushed their total to 205, but the pressure of the deficit remained a constant shadow. Delhi’s bowlers stayed patient, chipped away through the sessions, and eventually closed out the innings, setting up a modest chase.
Needing only 53 in the final innings, Delhi knocked off the runs without fuss and sealed an eight-wicket win. The chase didn’t require heroics just calm heads and a professional finish which they delivered with ease.
What this really means is that Delhi not only collected full points but also sent a strong message with a balanced performance across batting and bowling. The top order showed temperament, the bowlers kept their discipline, and the team controlled the match from start to finish.