CCI Crowned Champions in Grand T20 Finale! Cricket Club of India Outclass Islam Gymkhana by 31 Runs in Manjrekar–Desai Tournament

 

CCI Crowned Champions in Grand T20 Finale!

Cricket Club of India Outclass Islam Gymkhana by 31 Runs in Manjrekar–Desai Tournament

 

Mumbai : In a high-octane and electrifying final at the iconic Shivaji Park, Cricket Club of India (CCI) delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Islam Gymkhana by 31 runs, clinching the prestigious Vijay Manjrekar–Ramakant Desai T20 Tournament title in style. With explosive batting, crucial partnerships and lethal bowling, CCI stamped their dominance on the big stage.

 

Awards, Honours & Recognition; ₹1,00,000 Prize for Champions; Legends Felicitated

The victorious CCI team lifted the glittering trophy along with a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, while runners-up Islam Gymkhana received ₹50,000 and a trophy. On this occasion, former Test umpire Madhav Gothoskar and former Test cricketer Chandu Patankar were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the hands of former India cricketer Sandeep Patil. Gothoskar remained absent due to health reasons.

 

Power-Packed Opening Stand; Akhil Herwadkar and Akash Anand Dominate Powerplay

After winning the toss, Islam Gymkhana captain Vinayak Bhoir elected to field first. However, CCI’s in-form openers Akhil Herwadkar and Akash Anand came out all guns blazing, racing to 69 runs without loss in the powerplay. The duo added a solid 79-run opening partnership, with Herwadkar smashing 39 off 21 balls (7 fours), while Akash Anand contributed a fluent 47 off 36 balls (5 fours, 1 six).

 

Dhrumil Matkar’s Match-Changing Knock; Crucial 47 Powers CCI to 197/7

A sudden middle-order wobble saw CCI slip to 121/4 in 13.4 overs, but left-hander Dhrumil Matkar played a fabulous counter-attacking innings of 47 off 24 balls, including 2 fours and 3 sixes. His vital 45-run partnership with Saurabh Singh for the fifth wicket ensured CCI posted a formidable total of 197/7 in 20 overs. For Islam Gymkhana, Ankur Singh (2/38), Mubasshir Sheikh (2/26) and Vinayak Bhoir (2/42) were the prominent wicket-takers.

 

Bowling Brilliance Seals the Deal; Badre Alam and Irfan Umer Dismantle Opposition

Chasing a challenging target of 198, Islam Gymkhana failed to build momentum. Opener Bhuvan Patil (35) offered some resistance, but the rest of the batting line-up crumbled under pressure. Badre Alam starred with a sensational spell of 5/35, while Irfan Umer (3/32) provided strong support, as Islam Gymkhana were bowled out for 166 in 18.4 overs, falling short by 31 runs.

 

Emotional Tribute by Sandeep Patil; “Shivaji Park is Like a Temple for Me”

During the prize distribution, Sandeep Patil shared his emotional connection with Shivaji Park Gymkhana, stating that it feels like a “temple” to him. He recalled his early days working on the scoreboard and later fulfilling his mother’s dream by playing for the Gymkhana team under Ajit Wadekar’s leadership.

 

Organisers Applauded for Grand Success; Ajinkya Naik, Pravin Amre and Team Praised

Patil congratulated Mumbai Cricket Association President Ajinkya Naik, Shivaji Park Gymkhana President Pravin Amre, and all organisers for successfully conducting the tournament in honour of two the great cricketers. The vote of thanks was proposed by Sanjeev Khanolkar, Honorary Secretary of Shivaji Park Gymkhana.

 

Brief Scores

Cricket Club of India – 197/7 (20 overs); (Akhil Herwadkar 39, Akash Anand 47, Suved Parkar 22); Defeated Islam Gymkhana – 166 all out (18.4 overs); (Bhuvan Patil 35 | Badre Alam 5/35, Irfan Umer 3/32)

 

A Grand Finish to a Thrilling Tournament! CCI’s All-Round Excellence Lights Up Shivaji Park

With standout performances from Akhil Herwadkar, Akash Anand, Dhrumil Matkar, Badre Alam, and Irfan Umer, CCI showcased complete dominance to lift the coveted title. The tournament once again highlighted the rich legacy and competitive spirit of Mumbai cricket, leaving fans with unforgettable moments.