Defending champions MSC Maratha Royals booked their place in the semi-finals of the T20 Mumbai League with a thrilling victory over Arcs Andheri in a must-win final league-stage encounter.
Facing immense pressure, the Royals first produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict Arcs Andheri to 168 runs. Despite a brilliant 62 from Musheer Khan, the Royals kept the target within reach through crucial contributions from Aditya Dhumal, Irfan Umair, Atharva Bhosale, Maxwell Swaminathan and Tushar Deshpande.
The chase began on a difficult note as Sahil Jadhav fell to the first ball and captain Siddhesh Lad departed early, leaving the defending champions in trouble. However, Ayaz Khan led a remarkable fightback with a stunning 87 off just 48 deliveries. The young Om Bangar, aged only 16, displayed maturity beyond his years as the duo stitched together a match-defining partnership.
With the finish line in sight, Tushar Deshpande provided the finishing touch, smashing 20 runs off six balls to guide the Royals to victory and secure a semi-final berth.
The win once again highlighted the Royals’ resilience, adding another memorable comeback to a campaign defined by fighting spirit and composure under pressure. The defending champions now head into the knockout stage with momentum firmly on their side.
