Times Shield 2024-25: Mumbai Customs Dominate Final to Lift A Division Title Again

In a commanding display of all-round cricket, Mumbai Customs lifted the Times Cricket Shield A Division title for the second time in three years, outclassing Bank of Baroda in the final with a clinical performance at every stage of the match.

After losing the toss, Mumbai Customs were put in to bat first — a decision Bank of Baroda would soon regret. The star of the show was none other than opening batter Rugved More, who put on a monumental exhibition of patience, skill, and endurance. His marathon innings of 238 runs off 352 deliveries formed the backbone of Mumbai Customs ‘ massive total of 405/8 declared in 123 overs.

More’s innings was a masterclass in temperament, as he weathered spells of testing bowling and converted a good start into a match-defining double century. His knock ensured Mumbai Customs had a strong foothold in the final right from Day 1.

Chasing a daunting target, Bank of Baroda needed their batters to step up, but Mumbai Customs‘ bowling attack, led by the fiery Akash Parkar, had other plans. Parkar was virtually unplayable, ending with sensational figures of 6 wickets in 18 overs, dismantling the middle and lower order with pace and precision. He was well supported by Atharva Bhosle, who chipped in with 3 wickets in just 9 overs, keeping the pressure on throughout.

Bank of Baroda eventually folded for 223 runs in just 60 overs, falling 182 runs short of the target. The emphatic win not only sealed the championship for Mumbai Customs but also highlighted the depth and dominance of their squad.

With a record that now includes two titles in the past three seasons, Mumbai Customs have firmly cemented themselves as one of the powerhouses in Mumbai’s elite cricket circles. Rugved More’s double century and Akash Parkar’s six-wicket haul will go down as two of the standout performances of this season’s Times Cricket Shield.

The final was a true testament to Mumbai Customs’ balanced squad and their ability to deliver under pressure — a quality that continues to define champions.