Victory Cricket Club’s Mahek Pokar smashed the first century of the fifth edition of Late Arjun Madhvi Women’s Trophy as she plundered 112 runs off 101 balls against Sports Field Cricket Club on Friday in Thane to help her team register a humongous win of 202 runs.
Pokar’s power-packed innings that was laced with 20 fours steered Victory Cricket Club to a formidable score of 293/4 in 40 overs. Alongside this right-handed opening batter, her partner, Alina Mulla (61) stitched 184-run partnership to set the tone of the match. While the opening pair of Victory Cricket Club went hammer and tongs, the bowlers of Sports Field Cricket Club had no answers to stop the run flow. The only silver lining in the dark bowling cloud of Sports Field Cricket Club was Aakruti Bhoir, who, albeit bleeding 59 runs in her eight over spell, scalped two wickets.
Chasing a mammoth 294 for a win, Sports Field Cricket Club’s batting collapsed like a pack of cards. They were bowled out for a paltry 91 in 30.1 overs. Apart from Priyanka Rathod (31) and Palak Dharamshi (29) none of the batters looked in shape. For Victory Cricket Club, Aleena Khan stood out with the ball as she snapped three wickets conceding just 27 runs in her eight overs, including one maiden.
Having suffered a crushing defeat, Sports Field Cricket Club have made their way out of the tournament. Victory Cricket Club, on the other hand, have advanced to the next stage.
Brief Scores: Victory Cricket Club 293/4 in 40 overs (M Pokar 112; A Bhoir 2/59) beat Sports Field Cricket Club 91 all out in 30.1 overs (P Rathod 31; A Khan 3/27) by 202 runs
This Article is written by Juili Balal
Regal Cricket Club defeated Sporting Union Club by six wickets on Tuesday in the second match of the fifth edition of the Late Arjun Madhvi Women’s Trophy.
Chasing a modest total of 154 for a win, Regal Cricket Club overhauled the target in just 26.4 overs at the loss of four wickets. Chetana Bisht (36) led the run chase from the front and found able allies in Jetsun Chi (35 not out), Akanksha Mishra (32) Harshal Jadhav (27). While Manasi Chavan (2/30) stood out with the ball for her team picking up two wickets, that wasn’t enough to stop the free-flowing batters of Regal Cricket Club.
Early in the day, winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sporting Union Club scored 153/9 in 39 overs. Chavan top scored with 24. Deepali Shelar (14 not out) was only the other major contributor with the bat. Sporting Union Club found it difficult to score against the bowlers of Regal Cricket Club as they bowled probing lines and lengths to pick wickets at regular intervals. Bisht, Vaishnavi Iyengar, Komal Jadhav, Gauri Kadam, and Priyadarshani Singh scalped one wicket apiece.
With this loss, it is curtains for Sporting Union Club in this tournament. On the other hand, Regal Cricket Club have qualified for the next level.
Brief Scores: Sporting Union Club 153/9 in 39 overs (M Chavan 24; C Bisht 1/9) lost to Regal Cricket Club 154/4 in 26.4 overs (C Bisht 36; M Chavan 2/30) by 6 wickets
This article is written by Juili Ballal.
Cricketgraph’s interview with “Mr.Fitness” aka Amogh Pandit was quite informative.
Amogh is hailed as one of the top Strength & Conditioning Coaches in India. He is serving as Strength and Conditioning Coach with Mumbai Ranji Team for the last 17 years.
Amogh has also served as Strength and conditioning coach for Rajasthan Royals (Indian premier league). He has also been a conditioning specialist with India A team. Amogh is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with top level certifications like CSCS the NSCA, USA.
When you talk about cricket in Mumbai, there are two types of batsman. The first breed is the group of current senior players of Mumbai who have growned up watching as well as playing Red Ball Cricket. The ones who are known for their traditional cricketing shots, classy batting and old school technique. The 2nd breed is thriving of energetic youngsters who will soon be the future of Mumbai as well as Indian Cricket.
The 2nd breed of youngsters are completely different personalities with them putting more emphasis on white ball cricket and its not their fault either as T20’s are played more than Tests and ODI’s in today’s era. They prefer to play faster, they have the whackiest of shots and for them playing fast is not just a necessity but it’s their natural game.
And when we talk about Jay Bista, he is the fortunate hybrid Cricketer with the best of both the worlds. Born on 23rd December 1995 , at the age of 23, Jay is right there at the middle of two generations where he gets to see two different worlds of cricket. With experienced team mates like Suryakumar Yadav, Siddhesh Lad, Aditya Tare, Shreyas Iyer & Dhawal Kulkarni, Jay gets to witness proper classical red ball cricket whenever he gets a chance to represent the Mumbai team in the longer format of the game. Jay gets to see the sanctity of test cricket, the nitty-gritties of patience, solid technique, classical shots from the 1st breed of his senior mates while he has his own game of wizardy with the bat & athletic fielding abilities making him a perfect recipe for a modern day t20 player.
With the advent of T20 Cricket rising, new shots being innovated every day and playing fast & furious being the latest trend, Jay is well versed with that world of cricket too with aggressive brand of batting being his natural game.
In a candid interview with Cricketgraph, we throwed upon a lot of questions at him which he gracefully answered:
When we asked him how it all started, Jay said “From the age of 2, i was in to this game as my mom had told me from that age itself I was crazy for the game. I started practicing from the age of 8 but when I was 12, that’s when I started thinking about it professionally”
Born & brought up in Mumbai, the 23yr old studied at Bhadra New High School and later went to the famed Shardashram Vidyamandir School which has given Mumbai some of the finest first class & national level cricketers. Jay finished his further studies from Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College while he is getting trained under coaching of Vinod Raghavan Sir.
Jay has represented Mumbai team at U14, U16, U19, U23 as well as the senior team while he plays club cricket representing Victory CC in Mumbai. When we asked him to share some of his most memorable performances, Jay shared with us- “Getting 136 something last year in my comeback game against Saurashtra, a double hundred in the finals of U23 One Day Tournament, a 4th innings ton of 126 runs while chasing vs Baroda and my recent hundred in T20 mumbai (where he scored 110 off mere 60 balls for Sobo Supersonics) are some of my memorable performances so far.
Known for his eccentric and innovative shots including his famous version of “Bista Scoop”, Jay feels thankful to his parents and Coach Vinod Raghavan Sir for whatever he has achieved so far. When we asked him his long term goals, Jay smartly answered” –“I believe in living in the present, I don’t have a long term plan, I just want to win games for whichever teams I play for and keep performing consistently”
Team Cricketgraph wishes him all the luck for a great career ahead as he keeps entertaining one and all with his risqué shots and stylish batting.
If you’re searching for a cricket academy in Sion that combines strong coaching, good facilities, and the right environment for young players, Kisan Cricket Academy is a solid choice. Located at Manohar Joshi School Cricket Ground near Sion Railway Station, the academy has become a reliable training spot for boys and girls across all age groups.
Training Schedule That Fits Your Day
The academy runs Monday to Friday with two convenient batches:
Morning – 7 AM to 9 AM
Evening – 6 PM to 8 PM
This makes it easy for school-going students and working parents to plan their day without stress.
Focused Coaching for Every Player
Here’s the thing: development at this academy isn’t left to chance. Players train under the guidance of Mr. Kisan Sheth along with two assistant coaches who make sure every student gets proper attention. Personal coaching sessions are also available for players who want to work on specific areas of their game.
Facilities That Help You Improve Faster
Kisan Cricket Academy offers:
* Bowling machine for better batting practice
* Indoor training space
* Floodlights for evening sessions
* Safe, well-maintained nets
* Structured drills for beginners and advanced players
These facilities create a balanced setup for technique development, fitness, and match awareness.
Free Cricket Kit for New Students
A standout perk for new joiners is the free cricket kit offered by the academy. It’s a useful bonus for students stepping into formal cricket training for the first time.
Why Parents Prefer Kisan Cricket Academy
Parents appreciate the disciplined environment, clear communication, and steady improvement they see in their kids. Young players enjoy the friendly atmosphere, competitive drills, and the chance to learn from experienced coaches.
How to Enroll
For admissions and inquiries, contact:
Mr. Kisan Sheth – 8591141267
Location: Manohar Joshi School Cricket Ground, Sion (Near Sion Railway Station)
If you’re looking for a cricket academy in Mumbai that focuses on real skill development, Kisan Cricket Academy is a strong option worth considering.
IES New English School delivered a strong all-round performance to claim a commanding 188-run win over Omkar International in the Harris Shield tournament.
Omkar International elected to field, but the decision backfired once IES took charge with the bat. The innings was shaped by two standout knocks. Shreyash Khilare held the innings together with an unbeaten 94*, playing with control and intent right through. Right beside him, Maanveer Jain kept the pressure on the bowlers with a well-made 69. Their partnership lifted IES New English School to a solid 270 in 45 overs.
The chase never really took off for Omkar International. IES bowlers attacked early, stayed disciplined, and never let the opposition settle. Aarav Zagde and Darshan Rathod picked up three wickets each, using the conditions smartly. Prain Dubey joined the effort with two wickets of his own, sealing the collapse and bowling out Omkar International for 82.
Here’s the thing, performances this polished usually reflect strong work behind the scenes. The players train at Sanjeevani Cricket Academy under head coach Satish Samant, with Coach Abhishek Angane guiding them closely as well. The discipline in their batting and the clarity in their bowling plans showed exactly that.
What this really means is that IES New English School not only won by a huge margin, they showed the kind of maturity and structure you expect from a well-coached unit. With players like Shreyash, Maanveer, Aarav, Darshan, and Pravin stepping up, and with Coach Satish Samant guiding them, the team looks set for a strong run in the tournament.
Mumbai opened their Men’s U-23 State A Trophy Elite One-Day campaign with back-to-back wins, and the common thread through both matches was the same Ayush Vartak batting on a different level.
Here’s the thing.
The first game against Gujarat looked like a bowl-first kind of day, and Mumbai got it right. Gujarat were held to 259 in 50 overs thanks to a disciplined effort from the attack. Nikhil Giri, Rohan G, and Parikshit grabbed two wickets each, while Atharva Bhosale and Ayush Vartak chipped in with a wicket apiece.
The chase wasn’t flashy at the start, but once Ayush walked in, the tempo changed. What this really means is Mumbai had someone who could control the game while still scoring at a pace that crushes bowlers. He stayed unbeaten on 93 off 60 balls, hammering 10 fours and 4 sixes, and finished the job in 48.4 overs to seal a confident win.
The second match, against Assam, only strengthened Mumbai’s momentum. This time they chose to bat first, and the innings had one clear highlight Ayush again. He smashed 132 off just 70 deliveries, a knock loaded with authority and clean hitting. Ten fours, ten sixes, and the kind of strike rate that turns a solid total into a daunting one. Mumbai ended with 309 on the board.
Assam never really got going in response and folded for 172, giving Mumbai a massive 137-run win.
If there’s one name shaping Mumbai’s early surge in this tournament, it’s Ayush Vartak. Two matches. Two match-defining knocks. Runs at speed. Composure under pressure. And a clear reminder that Mumbai have a rising star who’s already playing like he belongs at the next level.
Shreyash Khilare, one of Victory Cricket Club’s most talented youngsters, delivered a standout all-round performance in the MCA 29th Ajit Naik Memorial U-14 Cricket Tournament final, further cementing his name among Mumbai’s brightest junior cricketers.
A composed knock in the final
Playing under high pressure at Worli SC, Mumbai, Shreyash showed remarkable maturity with the bat. Coming in when his team needed stability, he scored a gritty 34 runs off 89 balls, including 3 boundaries and a six. On a tough pitch where runs were hard to score, his calm approach helped anchor Victory CC’s innings and steady the side at a crucial stage.
Match-winning spell with the ball
If his batting provided stability, his bowling turned the game around. Shreyash bowled an exceptional 17-over spell, giving away only 19 runs and picking up 3 vital wickets. His control, consistency, and ability to break partnerships made a massive impact, keeping the opposition in check throughout their chase. It was a performance that underlined his growing stature as a true all-rounder.
Dominating the tournament
Across the MCA U-14 tournament, Shreyash was a model of consistency amassing 497 runs and taking 17 wickets. His all-round dominance earned him the Best Batsman and Man of the Series awards, a rare double that reflects both his skill and work ethic.
Guided by strong mentorship
Behind Shreyash’s rise is the steady guidance of coach Satish Samant at Sanjeevani Cricket Academy. Under Samant’s structured training and focus on all-round development, Shreyash has honed not just his technique but also his match temperament. The academy’s competitive yet nurturing environment has shaped him into a composed performer capable of thriving under pressure.
A rising star to watch
With such consistent performances and a match-winning display in the final, Shreyash Khilare has firmly established himself as one of Mumbai’s most promising U-14 all-rounders. His combination of discipline, temperament, and skill makes him a name to remember in Mumbai’s junior cricket circuit and a young cricketer destined for bigger stages ahead.
The final of the MCA 29th Ajit Naik Memorial U-14 Cricket Tournament saw an intense clash between Victory Cricket Club and Rizvi Sports Club, where Victory CC emerged champions on the basis of a first-innings lead.
Batting first after winning the toss, Victory CC posted 142 runs in 85 overs in the first innings. While the total wasn’t huge, their bowlers turned the game around with a clinical display. The trio of Ayush Goho, Tanay Mahansaria, and Shreyash Khilare shared the honors, taking three wickets each, bundling out Rizvi SC for 125.
In the second innings, Victory CC consolidated their position, reaching 76 for 6, and sealed the title with a comfortable first-innings lead victory.
It was a tournament to remember for the Sanjeevani Cricket Academy as all three key performers Shreyash Khilare, Ayush Goho, and Tanay Mahansaria train under the guidance of Coach Satish Samant.
Their individual brilliance also earned them top honours:
Shreyash Khilare delivered a phenomenal all-round tournament:
Batting: 497 runs in 9 innings at an impressive average of 82.83
Bowling: 17 wickets in 6 innings with an economy of 1.78 and average of 7.12
Awards: 4-time Man of the Match, Best Batsman of the Series, and Man of the Series
Ayush Gohol was a consistent strike bowler for Victory CC:
Bowling: 19 wickets in 7 innings with an economy of 2.9 and average of 9.52
Award: Best Bowler of the Tournament
Tanay Mahansaria proved to be a game-changer in key moments:
Bowling: 18 wickets in 7 innings at an economy of 2.0 and average of 7.7
Award: Emerging Player of the Tournament
Vedang Mishra stands at No. 3 on the batting leaderboard with 277 runs in 7 innings at an impressive average of 69.25 and a strike rate of 53.85. He’s registered three fifties, with a highest score of 79* and has remained unbeaten three times.
This victory not only highlights Victory CC’s dominance but also showcases the exceptional talent being nurtured at Sanjeevani Cricket Academy, continuing its reputation for producing some of Mumbai’s finest young cricketers.
IES College lifted the DSO Inter-College Mumbai Suburban Zone Championship, showcasing dominant all-round performances and team spirit throughout the tournament.
Semi-Final: IES vs Thakur College
In the semi-final clash, IES College opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Their disciplined bowling restricted Thakur College to 77/4 in 10 overs. Chasing a modest target, IES openers made it look effortless. Lakshya Jhawar was in top form, smashing an unbeaten 53 runs off just 25 balls, leading IES to a commanding win at 80 for no loss in 8 overs.
Final: IES vs ADK College
In the summit clash, ADK College won the toss and chose to field. IES set a competitive total of 84/4 in 10 overs, with Lakshya once again leading from the front, scoring 38 runs off 22 balls.
The bowlers then sealed the victory with a sharp performance. Atharva Dhond delivered a match-winning spell, taking 3 wickets for 18 runs in his 2 overs, as ADK could manage only 59/5 in their 10 overs.
Team Effort Behind Success
The IES College team includes several SCA (Sanjeevani Cricket Academy) players, known for their solid cricketing base and disciplined training. The college cricket setup runs under the experienced guidance of Satish Samant sir, while Coach Abhishek Angane has been instrumental in the team’s preparation and on-field strategies.
Their consistent efforts at SCA practice sessions clearly paid off, with IES College emerging as the undisputed champions of the DSO Mumbai Suburban Zone a proud moment for the college and everyone associated with their cricket program.
Young talent Vansh Dhawangale is quickly making a name for himself with consistent and match-winning performances in school and club cricket. His recent outings in the Harris Shield and Kings Cup 2025 have showcased both his bowling skill and batting maturity a combination that makes him one to watch.
In the Harris Shield clash between Hill Spring International School and St. Xavier’s Boys Academy, Vansh delivered a top-class bowling spell. Representing Hill Spring, he bowled 8 overs, picking up 5 wickets for just 30 runs, dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup and giving his team a strong edge in the contest.
If that wasn’t enough, Vansh carried his form into the Kings Cup 2025, where he turned out for SP Champs Jr. against Kaboom Cricket Club. He played a true all-rounder’s role first scoring a crucial 52 runs off 56 balls, including 3 boundaries, and then dominating with the ball once again. His bowling figures of 5 wickets for just 19 runs in 4 overs sealed the win for his team and earned him the MVP of the match title.
With back-to-back standout performances, Vansh Dhawangale is proving to be a game-changer every time he steps on the field. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball highlights the bright future that lies ahead for this promising young cricketer.
Victory Cricket Club’s young talent Shreyash Khilare delivered a stellar all-round performance in the MCA 29th Ajit Naik Memorial U-14 Cricket Tournament against MV Sports Club, making a strong impression with both bat and ball.
Batting first, Victory CC managed a total of 185 runs in 72 overs, with Shreyash leading from the front. The youngster played a composed yet confident knock of 79 runs off 112 balls, laced with 8 boundaries and 3 sixes, anchoring the innings at a crucial stage.
Not just with the bat, Shreyash made his presence felt with the ball too. He bowled a disciplined spell of 13 overs, including 4 maidens, and picked up 3 key wickets, keeping the opposition under constant pressure.
Continuing his fine form, Shreyash once again displayed remarkable consistency in the second session, scoring another half-century 55 runs off 88 balls, decorated with 10 boundaries. His ability to perform under pressure in both innings shows maturity beyond his age.
Shreyash trains at Sanjeevani Cricket Academy under the guidance of coach Satish Samant, who has been instrumental in shaping his game. The academy’s structured approach and focus on all-round development have helped Shreyash evolve into a dependable performer for his side.
With back-to-back standout performances, Shreyash Khilare has proven to be one of the most promising young cricketers to watch out for in Mumbai’s U-14 circuit.
Wellington Cricket Club put on a commanding performance in the Cosmopolitan Shield 2025-26 clash against Shree Shivaji Park Club, registering a massive 193-run victory thanks to standout performances from three Sanjeevani Cricket Academy talents.
After being sent in to bat, Wellington CC piled up 329 runs in 45 overs. Opening batter Atharva Dhond led the charge with a brilliant 125 off just 100 balls, mixing clean strokes with smart placement. He was well supported by Harsh Kadam, who continued his fine form with a composed 81 off 86 deliveries, ensuring Wellington built a solid total despite early pressure.
Defending 329, Wellington’s bowlers turned the game into a one-sided affair. Kabir Nansi was the pick of the attack, delivering a spell of pure precision 6 overs, 4 wickets for just 11 runs. His control and discipline left the opposition struggling for answers. Adding to the pressure, Fardeen Shaikh chipped in with 3 wickets for 37 runs, wrapping up the innings at just 136.
What made the victory even more special was that Atharva, Harsh, and Kabir all train at Sanjeevani Cricket Academy, Bandra, under the guidance of Coach Satish Samant. Their performances reflected the strong foundation and discipline that the academy has been nurturing over the years.
A proud moment for both Wellington CC and Sanjeevani Cricket Academy as their young guns once again proved that good coaching and consistent hard work always show on the field.
The Ponytail
A dejected figure in a blue jersey stood before an open goal, staring in disbelief. The penalty shot he had visualized and manifested countless times had just sailed over the bar. That miss would come to define Roberto Baggio’s career the man with the most famous ponytail in football, forever remembered not for his genius, but for that moment in the 1994 World Cup final.
What many forgot was that Baggio had carried Italy to that very final through sheer brilliance, grit, and pain. Playing with a broken knee, he inspired a divided team and a coach with his own agenda to defy the odds and face the mighty Brazilians led by Romário.
When the match ended in a draw after extra time, fate seemed to have aligned perfectly. Surely, destiny would reward the man who had willed Italy this far. And yet, he missed. Not by inches, but by metres.
That one kick turned the hero into a symbol of heartbreak. The lone ranger who had borne the team on his shoulders became the face of defeat. The world forgot the agony he endured, the courage it took to even step onto the pitch.
There was no redemption. Baggio would never again play in a World Cup final. And to this day, when a player steps up for a decisive penalty, commentators still ask “Will this be their Baggio moment?”
The Team
Thousands of miles away and decades later, I witnessed a different kind of sporting theatre unfold — not under the lights of Pasadena, but on the cricket grounds of Mumbai.
Bayside Sports runs an inter-school tournament where fathers of schoolchildren face off against their counterparts from other schools. It’s a wonderful idea — a chance for 35+ fathers to relive their sporting passion, to compete, to bond, and to chase that elusive trophy at the end of the rainbow.
But here’s the twist.
Having played with one of the tournament’s most successful teams, I learned something crucial: passion takes you only so far.
We had everything — sponsors, coaches, rigorous practice sessions, quality equipment, and a meticulous selection process. And yet, cracks began to appear. Why? Because most of us — men in our late thirties and forties, successful in business or corporate life — were not used to hearing one word: “No.”
In our professional worlds, we led teams. We called the shots. We weren’t often questioned. But in a team sport, that changes. Suddenly, you have a defined role. You’re accountable. You’re replaceable. And if you don’t perform, you sit on the bench.
As one of our coaches wisely said:
“The true strength of a team is defined not by its starting eleven, but by player number 12, 13, 14, and 15 the ones on the bench.”
Those players can either uplift the team with their commitment and energy — or destroy it through gossip, resentment, and ego. Unfortunately, the latter often prevails. And believe me, no one gossips better than a self-interested 35-year-old man with free time and an audience.
The successful team I was part of eventually fractured not because of lack of talent or resources, but because of ego and politics. What was once a championship-winning side splintered into four mediocre teams, all to satisfy individual ambitions.
The Lesson
Sport mirrors life. Individual brilliance can carry a team but only to a point.
The world salutes the rising sun, yet a beautiful failure can inspire generations. Think of Roger Federer’s epic loss to Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2008, often described as the most heart-breaking defeat in tennis history. Or consider what Schumacher did to Ferrari, or what Tendulkar, Ganguly, and Kohli did for Indian cricket. Great individuals lift teams, reshape cultures, and build legacies.
But the reverse is also true. A few self-interested individuals can quietly dismantle everything. They win the attention of decision-makers, whisper doubts, and twist narratives. Ironically, these are often the average performers — the ones who do just enough to stay relevant, yet spend their energy lobbying rather than performing.
And when decision-makers listen to them, the damage begins. Teams fracture. Trust erodes. Legacies collapse — not always in a blaze of drama, but in slow, quiet corrosion.
It takes years of patience and vision to build a great team. It takes just one ego to tear it apart.
Yet, even in failure whether it’s Baggio’s miss or a team’s implosion there lies a lesson worth cherishing:
True greatness isn’t in never falling, but in understanding why we did and having the courage to build again.
Author – Vivek Manchanda