In a closely-contested finale, Team A prolonged their unbeaten streak as they asserted dominance over Team D to register a domineering 7-wicket win in the Finals of the Mumbai Indians Junior Boys Rising Star League 2026.

Lavish Singh stood out as the top-performer for Team D once again as the all-rounder scored a scintillating, unbeaten half-century worth 59 runs. The top-order batters—Prajwal Gowari (38), Ishaan Pathak (26) and Ridam Yadav (23) – failed to capitalise on their promising starts as Onir Singh (3/22) spearheaded a disciplined bowling attack. A handy cameo at the business end of the innings by Pradnyankur Bhalerao (21) nudged Team D to a respectable total of 199 runs in their stipulated 40 overs.

With the title up for grabs, Team A started well with a 49-run opening stand between tournament top-scorer Aayush Shete and Swarn Katkar before losing a couple of wickets in quick succession. Satyam Yadav then joined Aayush Shete at the crease as the duo forged an immaculate 126-run partnership for the 3^rd wicket with both batters achieving personal milestones. Satyam Yadav went on to score 69 runs before being dismissed, while Aayush Shete capitalised on his rich vein of form, remaining unbeaten on 84. Eventually, it was poetic justice that Aayush Shete hit the winning runs, leading his side to a memorable and dominant championship triumph.

In the Girls category, Team A were crowned champions as they triumphed over Team B by an enthralling 5-run victory.

The decision to bat first paid dividends for Team A as their openers, Ruth Saluja and Khushi Goswami compiled 86 runs for the 1^st wicket. The duo personified ice and fire as Ruth Saluja’s aggression was perfectly complemented by Khushi Goswami’s grit and patience. While Ruth was dismissed after a stellar half-century, Khushi held her ground till the end, guiding Team A to a modest total of 137 runs.

Team B’s response centred around a valiant effort from skipper Sarah Khatri as they came agonisingly close to victory, only to lose by 5 runs. Sarah Khatri seemed to control the tempo of the match with an impressive half-century while forging crucial partnerships with Triyana Rane and Drishi Hingarh. However, the impeccable execution of Nysa Bhalerao (3/26) and Sara Apraj (2/7) dictated the outcome of the match, propelling Team A to a phenomenal title clinch.

Boys Matches:

1. Team A vs Team D

Team A stamped their authority over Team D to register a towering 7-wicket victory. Batting first, Team D salvaged a total of 199 runs in their allotted 40 overs, led by an unbeaten half-century by Lavish Singh as well as handy contributions from the top-order batters. On the bowling front, Onir Singh reaped rewards, claiming 3 crucial wickets for his side. With 200 runs required, Team A cruised to a commanding trophy haul, powered by half-centuries from Aayush Shete (84 n.o) and Satyam Yadav (69).

*****

Girls Matches:

1. Team A vs Team B

Team A emerged victorious as they claimed victory over Team B by a narrow 5-run margin. After opting to bat, Team A got off to a flyer with an 86-run opening partnership between Ruth Saluja and Khushi Goswami before the latter was dismissed for a prolific half-century. Khushi Goswami carried the momentum forward, remaining unbeaten on 38, guiding Team A to a competitive total of 137 runs. Skipper Sarah Khatri led from the front with a sensational half-century, putting Team B in a commanding position. However, Nysa Bhalerao (3/26) and Sara Apraj (2/7) displayed clinical accuracy and scalped wickets at key intervals to grant Team A a well-deserved win and the league title.

Brief Scores

Boys:

Team A 200/3 in 36.1 overs (Aayush Shete 84 n.o, Satyam Yadav 69, Swarn Katkar 26) bt Team D 199/7 in 40 overs (Lavish Singh 59 n.o, Prajwal Gowari 38, Ishaan Pathak 26, Ridam Yadav 23, Pradnyankur Bhalerao 21; Onir Singh 3/22).

Girls:

Team A 137/5 in 20 overs (Ruth Saluja 53, Khushi Goswami 38 n.o) bt Team B 132/5 in 20 overs (Sarah Khatri 55, Drishi Hingarh 24 n.o; Nysa Bhalerao 3/26, Sara Apraj 2/7).