Cricket fans witnessed a nail-biting finish in the grand final of the Mumbai Mayor Cup Indoor Cricket Tournament held at the Park Club Urban Sports Turf near Shivaji Park, Dadar. In a match that went down to the very last ball, Awesome Andheri Indoor Cricket Club defeated Viyom Foundation Indoor Cricket Club by just 1 run (33-32) to lift the championship trophy. The spectators erupted in celebration after the dramatic finish. Earlier, in the women’s final, Ranragini Indoor Cricket Club registered a commanding 61-run victory (98-37) over Shakti Indoor Cricket Club to emerge champions. The tournament was supported by Saraswat Bank, State Bank of India, Nitin Dalal – Star CC, and Shri Swami Samarth Medical.
Winners- Awesome Andheri Indoor Cricket Club team pose with chief guest and officials
Viyom Foundation Struggle After Batting First
For the first time in the tournament, Viyom Foundation lost the toss and were asked to bat first, which skipper Omkar Patole later admitted affected the team’s performance. The opening pair of Siddhesh Ghogre (5) and Shreyas Vaidya (6) added 11 runs, but Dipen dismissed Shreyas, resulting in a 5-run penalty. The second pair of Omkar Patole (-4) and Rohan Gawde (2) struggled, with Adil dismissing Omkar twice. Later, Aniket Madiye (7) and Prasad Ambre (3) contributed 10 runs, while the final pair of Shubham Gurav (5) and Ajit Sethi (8) added an important 13 runs to take Viyom Foundation to 32 runs.
Runners-up Viyom Foundation Indoor Cricket players with chief guest and officials
Rohit Kharat Seals Victory on the Last Ball
Chasing 33 runs, Awesome Andheri had a poor start as Musa Sayyed (0) and Monu Yadav (-4) failed against the accurate bowling of Rohan Gawde. The next pair of Santosh Jadhav (0) and Ahmed (6) also struggled under pressure. However, Dipen Dandekar (18) played a brilliant innings and brought his team back into the contest. Awesome Andheri needed 16 runs from the final pair when Rohit Kharat (17) and Adil Sayyed (-1) stepped in confidently. In a dramatic climax, Rohit scored 2 runs off the final ball to guide Awesome Andheri to a thrilling title victory.
Women’s team champs – Ranragini players
Ranragini Dominate Women’s Final
In the women’s final, Ranragini Indoor Cricket Club completely dominated the contest against Shakti Indoor Cricket Club. For Ranragini, Nazuka (27), Prajakta (24), Priya (11), and Drishti and Pooja (11 each) played impressive innings. For Shakti, Lavanya (13) and Aachal (11) fought hard despite the defeat.
Shreyas Vaidya Named Player of the Tournament
Shreyas Vaidya (Viyom Foundation) was declared the Player of the Tournament. Best Batsman: Dipen Dandekar (Awesome Andheri), Best Bowler: Rohan Gawde (Viyom Foundation)
Prize Distribution Ceremony
The prize distribution ceremony was conducted in the presence of Mumbai Cricket Association President Ajinkya Naik, Ward Committee Chairman and Corporator Yashwant Killedar, and Corporator Akash Purohit. Also present were Bal Wadwalkar, Vilas Patil, senior sports journalist Suhas Joshi, Varda Churi, Dattatray Vedak, Vinaya Toraskar, Founder Chairman Kshitij Vedak, Founder Secretary Balasaheb (Bal) Toraskar, and several office-bearers and volunteers of indoor cricket.
Welcoming the chief guest
“We Will Promote Every Form of Cricket” – Ajinkya Naik
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ajinkya Naik said, “Our aim is to promote every form of cricket in Mumbai. Mumbai Cricket Association will continue to provide support, facilities, and equipment required for the development of the sport.”
Yashwant Killedar added, “Today’s children are getting more involved in mobile phones and entertainment. It is the responsibility of society to bring them back to the playground through sports tournaments and activities.”
Cash Awards for Winners
The champion team Awesome Andheri Indoor Cricket Club received a cash prize of Rs. 25,000, along with the trophy and gold medals. The runners-up Viyom Foundation Indoor Cricket Club were awarded Rs. 15,000, along with the trophy and silver medals.