08 June,2026 09:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Suryakumar Yadav celebrates his fifty (Pic: T20 Mumbai League)
The Triumph Knights finally found their rhythm in the Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai League as they defeated MSC Maratha Royals to win their first match of the season.
After a rough start to the tournament, the Knights cruised to a comfortable six-wicket win over the Maratha Royals, thanks to a brilliant bowling display and some fireworks from their captain.
The day belonged to fast bowler Sylvester Dsouza, who was nearly unplayable, picking up five wickets for just 21 runs. It was the first "fifer" of this year's tournament and only the fifth time anyone has taken five wickets in a match in the league's history. Dsouza's spell completely dismantled the Royals' lineup, stopping them at 152 all out in their 20 overs.
Chasing 153, the Knights didn't get off to the best start. They lost both openers early, leaving the team at 36/2 and under a bit of pressure. However, skipper Suryakumar Yadav rose to the occasion and played a brilliant innings to take his team home.
Goel played a fantastic supporting role, hitting 56 off his own bat. But at the other end, Suryakumar was in vintage form. He looked effortless, smashing 72 not out off just 36 balls. With 13 fours and a big six, he made the chase look easy, finishing the game with four overs to spare.
In a touching gesture after the match, Suryakumar handed over his Player of the Match award to Sylvester Dsouza, acknowledging the pacer's match-winning five-wicket haul, which set up the match for the Knights.
"He deserves it more," the skipper said, making it clear that Dsouza's early breakthroughs were the real reason they won today.
This win is a huge relief for the Triumph Knights, who were desperate to get points on the board after losing their first three games. The Royals, meanwhile, will head back to the drawing board after their second loss of the season.
Brief Scores:
MSC Maratha Royals 152 All Out in 19.5 overs (Maxwell Swaminathan 36, Chinmay Sutar 32; Sylvester Dsouza 5/21) lost to Triumph Knights MNE 153/4 in 16 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 72 Not Out, Nutan Goel 56; Irfan Umair 2/23) by 6 wickets.
