The Under-16 boys’ team of the Maharashtra Cricket Association delivered an impressive campaign in the 2025–26 edition of the Vijay Merchant Trophy, finishing as runners-up after a spirited run to the final against Mumbai Cricket Association.
Maharashtra entered the final in dominant fashion, remaining unbeaten throughout the group stage and knockout rounds. Their consistent performances across the tournament showcased the depth of emerging talent in the state’s junior cricket structure.
In the final, Maharashtra put up a strong first-innings total of 381 runs, highlighted by a composed century from Kshitij Yede (117) and a valuable 85-run contribution by Neel Chandratre. The innings reflected resilience and application from the Maharashtra batting line-up against a competitive Mumbai bowling attack.
Mumbai, however, responded with a commanding batting display in their first innings. A determined captain’s knock of 95 by Aayush Shete, along with a century by Arjun Gadoya (105) and a solid 76 from Akash Mangde, powered Mumbai to a total of 494 runs. Their collective effort enabled Mumbai to secure a crucial first-innings lead, which ultimately decided the outcome of the match.
As per the tournament regulations, Mumbai were declared winners based on the first-innings lead in the drawn final.
Despite the result, Maharashtra’s journey to the final without losing a match stands as a significant achievement. The campaign reflects the strong development pathway and competitive structure fostered by the Maharashtra Cricket Association, with several young players demonstrating the potential to progress into higher levels of domestic cricket.
The runners-up finish marks another encouraging chapter in Maharashtra’s junior cricket programme, underlining the promising future of the state’s emerging cricketers.