Royals Hold Their Nerve to Clinch Super Over Thriller Against Akash Tigers
Mumbai, June 1: MSC Maratha Royals kicked off their T20 Mumbai League campaign with a dramatic Super Over victory over Akash Tigers after both teams finished tied at 165 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday.
Batting first, MSC Maratha Royals posted 165 all out in 20 overs, powered by a fine 54 off 39 balls from Sachin Yadav. The Royals’ middle order chipped in with useful contributions to help set a competitive target. For Akash Tigers, Mohammed Jamshed Alam starred with the ball, claiming 3 wickets, while Shashank Attarde picked up two crucial scalps.
In reply, Akash Tigers matched the target with 165/8 in their 20 overs. Ajit Ravindra Kumar Yadav provided the momentum with a quickfire 37 off 17 balls, while Sarfaraz Khan added 28 off 19 deliveries. Maxwell David Swaminathan led the Royals’ bowling effort with figures of 2/31, ensuring the contest headed into a Super Over.
The Royals seized control in the Super Over as Tushar Deshpande smashed 13 runs from just five balls, helping his side post 16 runs. Chasing 17 for victory, Akash Tigers struggled under pressure. Ajit Yadav was run out by Sachin Yadav, while Irfan Umair delivered a composed over to restrict the Tigers to 11/1.
Deshpande, who also scored a rapid 33 off 14 balls during the match and claimed a wicket, was named Player of the Match for his match-winning all-round display as MSC Maratha Royals secured a memorable opening victory.
