Sports

Iyer Takes Center Stage as Falcons Face Royals for T20 Mumbai League 2025 Championship

Published

7 months ago

June 11, 2025

Just under two weeks after steering Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, Shreyas Iyer is set to lead the SoBo Mumbai Falcons in yet another championship match—the T20 Mumbai League’s third season. After coming so close last time, Iyer is determined to go the distance and lift the trophy.

The Falcons will face the in-form Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals, under the dependable captaincy of Siddhesh Lad, in the final on Thursday. Both teams enter this climactic showdown riding high on momentum, depth, and standout performances, promising an exhilarating contest at the legendary Wankhede Stadium.

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The T20 Mumbai League stands as one of India’s premier domestic franchise-based T20 competitions, allowing emerging talents to compete alongside established stars like Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, and Shivam Dube. This season has showcased remarkable individual feats, with Sairaj Patil of Eagle Thane Strikers leading the run charts and claiming the Orange Cap, having scored 233 runs with a top score of 61.

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Shashank Attarde from Eagle Thane Strikers holds the Purple Cap with 11 wickets for his consistent wicket-taking abilities. Other standout performers include Suryakumar, Siddhant Adhatrao from Triumph Knights Mumbai North East, Suved Parkar from Bandra Blasters, and Siddhessh and Chinmay Sutar from Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals—all of whom made significant contributions with half-centuries during the league stage.

Royals Lean on Experienced Core

Siddhesh Lad’s journey has been characterized by consistency and leadership. Following a match-winning unbeaten 74 in the semifinal against Eagle Strikers Thane, he’s guided his team through a demanding league phase. Lad believes the Royals are hitting their peak at the right time.

“It’s a fantastic feeling to reach the finals. We’ve put in a lot of hard work leading up to the tournament. While everyone was fatigued, the atmosphere in the camp remained light and enjoyable,” Lad remarked before the final.

He credited the seasoned players for stepping up in crucial moments, particularly Rohan Raje, who achieved the tournament’s first five-wicket haul, and Aditya Dhumal, whose early breakthroughs secured their semifinal victory.

“As we head into the final, we’re not dwelling too much on it. Yes, there’s pressure as it’s the final, but we aim to maintain our composure and bring out the best in the squad,” he said.

“Irfan (Umair), Rohan (Raje), Ghag (Rohan), Sahil (Jadhav)—everyone has played a part. The environment we’ve fostered is supporting the youngsters to step up on this grand stage.”

Falcons Depend on Form and Flair

SoBo Mumbai Falcons feature a formidable lineup and a captain with big-match experience in Shreyas Iyer, who is equally optimistic ahead of the final. Recognizing the significance of the occasion, Iyer expressed anticipation for the challenge.

“Honestly, I’m excited; it’s going to be a fantastic contest. The team before us played incredibly well in their chase. Siddhesh Lad is in excellent form, and I’m looking forward to facing him and his squad,” Iyer stated.

Both captains remain calm yet determined, with each team brimming with match-winners across all departments. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether through Lad’s composed leadership and strategic insights or Iyer’s flair and finishing prowess, the final promises to be a battle of skill and nerves.

Will the MSC Maratha Royals cap off an impressive journey under Lad’s leadership, or will Iyer’s SoBo Mumbai Falcons triumph? The stage is set, the players are prepared, as Mumbai eagerly awaits its new T20 champion.

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Sports

Storm in the First Over: RCB Create New WPL Record

Published

2 days ago

January 17, 2026

Namma Kudla

Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the Women’s Premier League by scoring the highest number of runs in the first over of a match. RCB scored a massive 23 runs in the opening over, setting a new WPL record.

This historic moment took place during the match against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants bowler Renuka Singh Thakur conceded 23 runs in the first over, making it the most expensive opening over in WPL history.

Renuka began the over with a wide delivery. The ball went past the wicketkeeper and crossed the boundary, resulting in five runs. RCB batter Grace Harris then took charge of the over. She smashed four consecutive boundaries, putting the Gujarat Giants under pressure.

During the over, Renuka Singh bowled two more wides, adding extra runs to the total. On the final delivery of the over, Grace Harris struck another boundary. This completed a dramatic and record-breaking first over for RCB.

With this, Renuka Singh Thakur recorded the most expensive first over ever bowled in the Women’s Premier League. The previous record was held by Tanuja Kanwar. She had conceded 21 runs in the first over while playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season.

In the same match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batted first and put up a strong total. RCB scored 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The team showed aggressive batting throughout the innings.

Gujarat Giants chased the target but failed to keep up with the required run rate. They were bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs. As a result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 32 runs.

This victory strengthened RCB’s position in the tournament and added a historic achievement to the Women’s Premier League records.

Sports

Historic Test Debut in Guwahati as South Africa Reach 247/6 on Day 1

Published

2 months ago

November 23, 2025

Namma Kudla

On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.

India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.

The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.

Sports

India A Post 297/4 as Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 144 Off 42 Balls

Published

2 months ago

November 14, 2025

Namma Kudla

India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.

Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.

India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.