CCI Clinch Thrilling 5-Run Victory to Lift 76th Salar Jung T20 Trophy Akhil Herwadkar’s Blazing 74 and Akash Parkar’s Unbeaten 59 Power Cricket Club of India to Memorable Title Triumph Explosive Final Ends in Grand Style at Islam Gymkhana

 

CCI Clinch Thrilling 5-Run Victory to Lift 76th Salar Jung T20 Trophy

Akhil Herwadkar’s Blazing 74 and Akash Parkar’s Unbeaten 59 Power Cricket Club of India to Memorable Title Triumph

Explosive Final Ends in Grand Style at Islam Gymkhana

 

Mumbai : In a high-voltage and nail-biting final filled with power-hitting, pressure moments and outstanding performances, Cricket Club of India (CCI) emerged champions after registering a narrow yet thrilling 5-run victory over Young Friends Cricket Club in the final of the prestigious 76th Salar Jung Invitation T20 Cricket Tournament 2026, organised by Islam Gymkhana under the auspices of MCA at the iconic Islam Gymkhana Ground, Marine Lines. The packed final witnessed brilliant batting displays from both teams, but CCI held their nerve in the closing stages to lift the coveted trophy in grand fashion.

 

Grand Presentation Ceremony Adds Shine to Historic Triumph

The victorious CCI team was presented the prestigious Salar Jung Trophy along with a cash prize cheque of Rs 1 lakh by Chief Guest Karsan Ghavri, former Indian cricketer. Also present on the occasion were Unmesh Khanvilkar, General Secretary, MCA, Adv. Yusuf Abrahani, President, Islam Gymkhana, along with several distinguished guests and dignitaries. The runners-up Young Friends Cricket Club received the runners-up trophy and a cash award of Rs 50,000 for their impressive campaign.

 

Akhil Herwadkar Leads CCI’s Batting Storm

Asked to bat first, CCI produced a batting masterclass and posted a challenging total of 222 for 4 in 20 overs, thanks to a sensational innings from Akhil Herwadkar, who smashed a superb 74 runs off just 40 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes. His aggressive strokeplay gave CCI the perfect momentum in the big final. Supporting him brilliantly was Akash Parkar, who remained unbeaten on a classy 59 off 30 balls, decorated with 8 boundaries and 2 sixes, while Akash Anand added a valuable 29 runs to strengthen the innings. For Young Friends, Tabish Ansari was the most successful bowler with 2 wickets for 40 runs.

 

Young Friends Fight Hard but Fall Just Short

Chasing a stiff target of 223, Young Friends Cricket Club responded with great determination and played positively throughout their innings. However, despite a spirited effort, they were restricted to 217 for 7 in 20 overs, falling heartbreakingly short by just 5 runs. The star performer for Young Friends was Ishan Mulchandani, who played a magnificent knock of 75 runs off 46 balls, smashing 9 fours and 2 sixes. He was well supported by Aayush Zimare, who scored a fighting 46 runs, while Sahil Jadhav contributed an important 29 runs. Despite their brave chase, CCI’s disciplined finish ensured the trophy stayed with them.

 

A Final Worth Remembering

The final turned out to be a perfect advertisement for competitive T20 cricket, showcasing fearless batting, intense pressure situations and remarkable fighting spirit from both sides. While Young Friends CC displayed tremendous character till the final over, it was CCI’s composure and powerful top-order batting that ultimately made the difference. With this memorable triumph, Cricket Club of India added another glorious chapter to its rich cricketing legacy by lifting one of Mumbai’s most prestigious invitational T20 trophies.