Mumbai Marines crowned Big Cricket League Season 1 Champions

Mumbai Marines defeated Southern Spartans by 7 wickets to win the final of the inaugural Big Cricket League (BCL) 2024. Chasing a target of 211, Mumbai Marines were led by Manan Sharma (89 off 42 balls), who helped the team wrap-up the chase with 5 balls to spare.

Batting first, the Southern Spartans set a formidable target, scoring 210 runs for 6 wickets in their 20 overs. Phil Mustard was the standout performer, unleashing a blistering 78 runs off 39 balls, including 10 boundaries and 4 sixes.

Captain Suresh Raina also made a significant contribution with 51 runs from 26 balls, while Abhimanyu Mithun and Faiz Fazal chipped in with crucial scores of 25 and 30 runs, respectively. Despite losing quick wickets towards the end, the Spartans managed to post a competitive total.

The Mumbai Marines began their chase on a rocky note, losing both openers early in the powerplay. However, Manan Sharma and Jesal Karia steadied the innings with a remarkable partnership. Karia scored an impressive 75 runs off 39 balls, setting the stage for Sharma's explosive performance. Manan Sharma emerged as the hero of the chase, finishing with an unbeaten 89 runs off just 42 balls, showcasing his power-hitting prowess with 7 fours and 6 sixes.

Irfan Pathan, the winning captain, played a vital role as well, contributing 27 runs off 18 balls and forming an unbroken partnership of 85 runs with Sharma to seal the victory. After the match, Pathan expressed his joy, stating, "This victory is a testament to my team's hard work, dedication, and unyielding spirit. Mumbai Marines gave it their all, and we are thrilled to bring home the trophy. Thank you to the fans for their unwavering support."

The Mumbai Marines chased down the target in just 19.1 overs, finishing at 213 for 3, thus clinching the BCL trophy in a thrilling encounter that will be remembered by fans for years to come.