Mumbai, June 6 (IANS) Tushar Deshpande produced a sensational all-round performance to guide Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals to a 25-run victory over Bandra Blasters in the T20 Mumbai League 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

Tushar emerged as the difference-maker, first rescuing the Royals with an unbeaten 55 off just 25 balls before returning figures of 2/12 in three overs. His all-round effort proved decisive as the Royals successfully defended 203/8.

Chasing the target, the Blasters were led by their top order. Skipper Suved Parkar continued his fine form with 56 off 40 balls, his third half-century of the tournament, along with a century earlier in the season. Prateek Ravishankar provided early momentum with a brisk 47 off 22 deliveries along with Parkar, while Jay Jain added a quickfire 46 off 23 balls.

The trio kept Bandra in the hunt for most of the chase, but once they were dismissed, the innings quickly lost momentum. The middle and lower order failed to build on the platform, with eight batters managing single-digit scores as Bandra were bowled out for 178 in 17.5 overs, thanks to some quality bowling by the Royals.

Earlier, the Royals had slipped to 36/3 inside the first five overs after being asked to bat. Ayaz Khan (31) and Chinmay Sutar (31) made useful contributions but failed to convert their starts. With wickets falling regularly, Tushar played a brilliant rescue act, smashing six sixes in his unbeaten knock and sharing a crucial 73-run stand with Rohan Raje (28), lifting the Royals to a strong total.

Brief scores:

MSC Maratha Royals 203/7 in 20 overs (Tushar Deshpande 55 not out, Chinmay Sutar 31, Ayaz Khan 31; Om Keshkamat 2/28) beat Bandra Blasters 178 in 17.5 overs (Suved Parker 56, Prateek Ravishankar 47; Tushar Deshpande 2/12) by 25 runs.

–IANS

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