Defending champions Mumbai began their 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign in dominant fashion, securing a comfortable win over Railways at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Senior batsman Ajinkya Rahane produced a ‘Player of the Match’ performance, while India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav impressed on his return to domestic cricket.

Hardik Tamore also contributed valuable runs in the chase, supported by all-rounder Shivam Dube.

Ayush Mhatre struggles, but Mumbai cruises to victory

In their Elite Group A clash on November 26, Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur delivered a disciplined spell of 1 for 15 from four overs, helping restrict Railways to 158/5. Despite a blistering 61 off 30 balls from Ashutosh Sharma featuring seven fours and three sixes, Railways struggled to accelerate. Tushar Deshpande, Shivam Dube and Sairaj Patil each picked up a wicket to support Thakur’s efforts.

Chasing 159, young opener Ayush Mhatre couldn’t capitalize and was dismissed for 18 off 15 balls. His partner Ajinkya Rahane, however, anchored the innings with a stylish 62 off 33 deliveries, smashing four fours and five sixes. Rahane built two crucial fifty partnerships, first with Mhatre, then with Suryakumar Yadav to set up Mumbai’s chase.

Suryakumar scored a fluent 47 off 30 balls, while Hardik Tamore (23* off 16) and Shivam Dube (5* off 2) completed the job, guiding Mumbai to a seven-wicket win with 25 balls to spare.

For Suryakumar, the match served as ideal preparation ahead of India’s upcoming five-match home T20I series against South Africa. He is expected to feature in a few more games for Mumbai before joining the national squad.