Akash Parkar Shines in Super Over to Lead SoBo Mumbai Falcons to Victory
Exciting Start to T20 Mumbai League
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 4: In a thrilling opening match of the T20 Mumbai League's third season at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Stadium, Akash Parkar's remarkable performance in the Super Over propelled SoBo Mumbai Falcons to a swift victory.
Parkar's outstanding contribution of an unbeaten 27 runs off just six balls set a daunting target of 28 runs for ARCS Andheri in the Super Over.
Veteran bowler Siddharth Raut played a crucial role by limiting Shivam Dube and Musheer Khan to only 13 runs during his over, according to reports.
The day began with a brief rain delay that postponed the toss by 45 minutes, following an impressive opening ceremony celebrating the league's return after a six-year hiatus. The Falcons, led by captain Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Amogh Bhatkal, started strong before rain interrupted play when they had scored 26 runs without losing a wicket.
Once the rain subsided later in the afternoon, the match was decided through a Super Over, where Parkar's brilliance took center stage.
Badrey Alam, a former Ranji Trophy pacer, began the Super Over with a slower delivery outside off-stump. Parkar skillfully hit it for a one-bounce four. The next ball was short and quick, which Parkar pulled over midwicket for a six. He then drove the third ball over the bowler's head for another four.
The fourth delivery was a well-placed bouncer, which Parkar managed to hook over the fine-leg boundary. A perfect yorker followed, and in an effort to keep Parkar on strike, Raghuvanshi sacrificed his wicket while attempting a second run.
Parkar finished the over with a low full-toss, smashing it over long-off. His impressive tally included three sixes, two fours, and a single, effectively sealing the win for the Falcons.
Raut's strategy to contain Dube in the initial balls was successful, allowing the Falcons to secure full points. Parkar was rightfully named Player of the Match, expressing his satisfaction in the post-match presentation: “After discussing the strategy with the coach, my main goal was to hit two sixes. I’m thrilled I could achieve that.”