The Bombay Gymkhana Cricket Team took part in the 15th edition of an invitational T20 Knockout Interclub Cricket Tournament 2024, which was held on March 2nd, 3rd, 9th, and 10th, 2024 organised by the Ghatkopar Jolly Gymkhana at their ground. This was a knock-out tournament played between 8 Mumbai Clubs.
The Bombay Gymkhana team composed primarily of young players from our Cricket Academy (who regularly represent Bombay Gymkhana in Open Tournaments) have done Bombay Gymkhana proud by winning the Tournament for the second consecutive year.
The Gymkhana team, led by young Mayur Barade for the first time, began their campaign by defeating the Jolly Gymkhana ‘A’ Team in first round, thanks to a stellar performance by the captain with the bat and the ball, earning him the MOM and the Best Bowler, scoring 58 runs in 23 balls and taking three wickets for 38 runs in the four overs he bowled.
The Semifinals against the National Sports Club of India followed, with Wasim Ashraf leading the Bombay Gymkhana team to victory and into the finals, earning himself Player of the Match and Best Bowler awards after scoring 51 runs in just 15 balls and taking two wickets for 23 runs in four overs. At one stage, the defending Champions were in great trouble with the score line being 85 for six.
The much-anticipated finals took place on March 10th against fancied cricket club, The Chembur Gymkhana. Our boys played with their hearts out and played like a Champion Club. The Bombay Gymkhana batting first, made 189 for 6 wickets from their stipulated 20 overs and with their stellar bowling performance followed by electrifying fielding, restricted Chembur Gymkhana to 56 all out in 12.4 overs.
There was more cheer for Bombay Gymkhana as our Captain Mayur Barade won two out of three individual awards, i.e. Best Batsman and Player of the Tournament.
While numerous of our lads contributed to this victory, we must acknowledge their efforts (many of them come from underprivileged backgrounds) to improve their cricket abilities, not only to represent Bombay Gymkhana in open tournaments, but also to instil confidence and self-belief in them. This is a fantastic testament to our vision for encouraging sports in our city. (By Vikrant Rambhia)
