Rahane's Panthers beat Suryakumar's Knights in Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai League
Mumbai, June 2
The Ajinkya Rahane-led North Mumbai Panthers began their Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai League 2026 campaign in style with an emphatic 21-run victory over Suryakumar Yadav's Triumph Knights Mumbai North East at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Chasing a daunting 210, the Knights struggled to keep pace with the required rate despite a valiant effort from impact substitute Nutan Goel, who anchored the innings with a fighting 93 off 56 balls, according to a release.
The chase got off to a shaky start with both openers falling cheaply, bringing India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav (19) to the crease amid loud cheers from the Wankhede crowd. Suryakumar responded with a typically positive approach, striking four boundaries as the Knights raced to 56/2 by the end of the Powerplay.
However, left-arm spinner Rahul Sawant turned the game in the Panthers' favour by dismissing Suryakumar and Sagar Mishra in quick succession.
Harshal Jadhav and Nutan attempted a recovery with a 55-run fifth-wicket stand, while the 20-year-old Nutan capitalised on a reprieve on 24 to bring up a 32-ball fifty with back-to-back sixes. But with the required rate steadily climbing, the Knights found it difficult to keep up and eventually finished on 188/8.
Earlier, Hardik Tamore starred with the bat, scoring his maiden fifty of the tournament to help North Mumbai Panthers post the first 200-plus total of the season. Sent in to bat on a placid batting turf, the Panthers made a strong start through Rahane (24) and Tamore, who added 67 runs for the opening wicket inside the Powerplay.
While Rahane departed after a brisk start, Tamore carried on and struck a fluent 67 off 43 deliveries, laced with nine fours and two sixes. Aayush Zimare (23) and Ayush Vartak (39) kept the scoreboard moving in the middle overs before Tanush Kotian provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 30 off just 15 balls, powering the Panthers past the 200-run mark.
Later, Shreyas Iyer-led SOBO Mumbai Falcons will take on ARCS Andheri, captained by India all-rounder Shivam Dube, at the same venue.
All the matches will be live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.
Brief Scores: North Mumbai Panthers 209/5 (Hardik Tamore 67, Ayush Vartak 39, Tanush Kotian 30 not out; Sylvester Dsouza 2/23) beat Triumph Knights Mumbai North East 188/8 (Nutan Goel 93, Suryakumar Yadav 19; Rahul Sawant 2/34, Harsh Tanna 2/44) by 21 runs.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Surya bhai out for just 19? 😅 That's not the form we expect from our T20 captain. But honestly, these local T20 leagues are so important for nurturing talent. Look at Nutan Goel - dropped on 24 and then went on to score 93. This is how stars are born! Hope the selectors are watching these performances.
Honestly impressed by the quality of this tournament. 200+ scores, close finishes, and even impact substitutes making a difference. This is what Indian domestic cricket needs - competitive platforms where players can showcase their skills. Rahane leading from the front again shows why experience matters in T20s too. Good to see him contributing even if it's not international cricket.
What a game! As someone who follows global T20 leagues, I'm thrilled to see Mumbai's domestic cricket getting this kind of attention. The Wankhede crowd was electric I bet. Nutan Goel's innings reminded me of a young Suryakumar himself - fearless, innovative, and fighting till the end. Can't wait to see how Shreyas Iyer's Falcons performance later 🔥
While I appreciate the tournament, I wish they'd focus more on red-ball cricket for domestic players. But hey, T20 is where the money is and these kids need exposure. Nutan Goel (93 off 56) and Hardik Tamore (67 off 43) deserve special mentions. Also, Tanush Kotian smashing 30 off 15 at the death showed great temperament. The future of Mumbai cricket is in safe hands! 💪
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