The second season of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) concluded with a bang as Majhi Mumbai emerged as the champions after defeating Srinagar Ke Veer by three wickets in a thrilling final. The jam-packed Dadoji Kondadev Stadium witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions as Mumbai clinched victory in the last over, much to the delight of the electrified crowd.
Mumbai’s Last-Minute Heroics Secure the Trophy
In a game that went down to the wire, Mumbai chased down a challenging target set by Srinagar with Ankur’s monumental six securing the win. Every moment of the match, from every six hit to every wicket taken, showcased the true spirit of street cricket, as young talents and seasoned campaigners alike gave their all on the field.
Star-Studded Final with Bollywood and Cricket Icons
The ISPL, endorsed by Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar, has grown leaps and bounds over the years, showcasing talent from across the nation. This season’s finale was a star-studded affair, with Tendulkar joining fellow core committee members Ashish Shelar, Suraj Samat, and Minal Amol Kale. Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar, owners of the two finalist teams, also graced the occasion.
Srinagar Sets a Challenging Target
After Mumbai won the toss and opted to field, the final began with a bang as Srinagar’s opening duo, Sagar Ali and Akash Tarekar, combined to post the highest first-wicket partnership in ISPL final history, putting on 108 runs. Akash’s blistering 59 off 32 balls, including five sixes, anchored Srinagar’s innings as they posted a competitive total of 120/5. Abhishek Kumar Dalhor, Mumbai’s star bowler, added two more wickets to his season tally, taking his total to 24.
Mumbai’s Captain Leads the Recovery
Mumbai’s chase started with early setbacks as they were reduced to 64 for 6, but skipper Vijay Pawle steadied the ship. Pawle’s explosive 22 off 9 balls, including three sixes, along with Birendra’s 14 off 6 balls, gave Mumbai a fighting chance. With six needed off the final over, Ankur held his nerve, missing the first two balls before launching a six to seal the title for Mumbai.
ISPL Provides Platform for Aspiring Cricketers
The ISPL Season 2 was more than just a tournament; it was a platform that turned dreams into reality. The competition showcased the talent of tennis-ball cricketers from across the country and provided them with financial security, with Majhi Mumbai’s all-rounder Abhishek Kumar Dalhor emerging as the most expensive player of the season, bought for Rs 20.50 lakh.
A Glimpse of Future Cricket Stars
This thrilling conclusion to the ISPL season proves that talent can emerge from anywhere, with players making their mark and potentially becoming the cricketing stars of tomorrow.
