Defending champions Majhi Mumbai launched their title defence in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) with a hard-fought 13-run victory against Srinagar Ke Veer in Surat on Friday. The match, a low-scoring thriller, set the tone for the third season of the high-octane T10 tournament.
Glittering Opening Ceremony Sets the Stage
The cricketing action was preceded by a star-studded opening ceremony at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium. Megastars from Indian cinema, who are also co-owners of the franchises, graced the event. Amitabh Bachchan (co-owner, Majhi Mumbai), Akshay Kumar (co-owner, Srinagar Ke Veer), Suriya (co-owner, Chennai Singams), and Ram Charan (co-owner, Falcon Risers Hyderabad) were present, drawing massive cheers from a packed crowd.
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar made a memorable entrance, arriving in a Porsche 911 carrying the coveted ISPL trophy. The ceremony featured a vibrant mix of lights, music, and performances, including a dance act by popular television actress Rupali Ganguly, officially ushering in a month-long carnival of T10 cricket.
A Dramatic Low-Scoring Encounter
Winning the toss and opting to bowl, Srinagar Ke Veer put Mumbai into bat and immediately put them under pressure. Their bowlers exploited early movement and maintained disciplined lines to bundle out the champions for a modest 59 runs in their full 10 overs.
Prajyot Ambhire was the pick of the bowlers with excellent figures of 3/11. He was well-supported by Dhananjay Bhintade, Minad Manjrekar, and Raju Mukhiya, who took two wickets each. For Mumbai, Darshan Bandekar top-scored with a gritty 12 off just eight balls, but the total seemed well within Srinagar's reach.
Mumbai's Bowlers Stage Sensational Comeback
In a stunning twist, Mumbai's bowling unit turned the game on its head. They produced a sensational collective effort to choke Srinagar's chase, triggering a dramatic collapse. The batting side was reduced to 29/6 by the seventh over, losing wickets at regular intervals.
The standout performer was Ijaj Ahmed, who was adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant spell of 3/9. He was ably assisted by Mohammed Zeeshan and Vijay Pawale, who claimed two wickets apiece. Harsh Adsul offered brief resistance with a 10-ball 13, but it was insufficient as Srinagar Ke Veer were bowled out for 46 in 9.5 overs, handing Mumbai a comfortable win.
What's Next in ISPL T10?
The victory gives Majhi Mumbai a perfect start to their campaign. The action in Surat continues on Saturday with a double-header. Srinagar Ke Veer will look to bounce back when they face the Ahmedabad Lions. This will be followed by the clash between the Tiigers of Kolkata and the Chennai Singams, promising more fast-paced entertainment for cricket fans.
