Four tons power Mumbai U-16 to JY Lele title triumph

The Mumbai U-16 team with the JY Lele Trophy in Vadodara on Saturday

Defending champions Mumbai U-16 beat Punjab on the basis of a first-innings lead to retain the JY Lele Trophy in Vadodara on Saturday.

After opting to bat in the three-day final, Mumbai posted 326, with skipper Devashish Ghodke scoring an unbeaten 121 and Shreyas Khilare contributing 106.

In reply, Punjab were bowled out for 228, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance by left-arm spinners Darshan Rathod (5-40) and Harsh Kadam (2-21).

Mumbai consolidated their position in the second innings, posting 272-3, with Kadam (131 not out) and Aarush Kolhe (101) scoring centuries.

"We came to know our pluses and minuses, and the players also understood what needs to be done while playing competitive cricket. This triumph is a big boost for the team ahead of the U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy," Mumbai U-16 head coach Nilesh Masurkar told mid-day over the phone from Vadodara on Saturday.

Congratulating the young players, Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik said: "This triumph reflects the strength of Mumbai's cricket structure and the consistent efforts of our players, coaches, support staff, selectors and club system. The team displayed remarkable character, discipline and skill throughout the competition, and their performance in the final was a testament to the values of Mumbai cricket."