Greater Noida, June 3 – The second season of the Big Cricket League opened with a dominant performance as Shikhar Dhawan, reclaiming form with a commanding half‑century, led UP Brij Stars to a six‑wicket victory over defending champions Mumbai Marines at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, Gautam Buddh Nagar.
After being sent to bat first, Mumbai Marines posted 171/9 in their 20 overs, anchored by knocks from Naman Ojha, Mohamed Amaan and Anureet Singh.
Ojha ignited the innings with an aggressive 40 off 23 balls, including four fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 173.91. Mohamed Amaan added 34 from 21 balls before Ross Taylor’s brief cameo concluded at nine.
Shivansh Kapoor contributed a quick 21 off 12 balls, and Anureet Singh’s late surge of 31 from 17 balls propelled the total beyond 170, though regular wickets curtailed the Marines’ ability to fully capitalise on their promising starts.
For UP Brij Stars, spinner Jeevan Mendis took 2/23 from four overs and Saurin Thakar captured 2/36. Chirag Gandhi, Jatin Mavi and Jermaine Blackwood each took a wicket.
Mumbai Marines Post Competitive Total
After being sent to bat first, Mumbai Marines posted 171/9 in their 20 overs, anchored by knocks from Naman Ojha, Mohamed Amaan and Anureet Singh.
Ojha ignited the innings with an aggressive 40 off 23 balls, including four fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 173.91. Mohamed Amaan added 34 from 21 deliveries before Ross Taylor’s brief cameo concluded at nine.
Shivansh Kapoor contributed a quick 21 off 12 balls, and Anureet Singh’s late surge of 31 from 17 balls propelled the total beyond 170, though regular wickets curtailed the Marines’ ability to fully capitalise on their promising starts.
For UP Brij Stars, spinner Jeevan Mendis took 2/23 from four overs and Saurin Thakar captured 2/36. Chirag Gandhi, Jatin Mavi and Jermaine Blackwood each took a wicket.
Dhawan Leads from the Front
The chase began briskly as Kennar Lewis smashed 12 off eight deliveries before being dismissed by Anureet Singh.
After Shubham Singh and Blackwood fell while seeking acceleration, Dhawan steadied the innings, blending caution with aggression, rotating the strike efficiently and punishing loose deliveries.
His innings comprised seven boundaries and four sixes, as the left‑hander maintained complete control.
By the 16th over, Dhawan departed after a superb 80, leaving the Stars firmly in command at 134/4.
Gandhi and Sikarwar Finish the Job
After Dhawan’s dismissal, Chirag Gandhi and Vikas Sikarwar completed the formalities.
Gandhi remained unbeaten on 32 from 21 balls, while Sikarwar added a rapid 17 not out off just nine deliveries, sealing victory with eight balls remaining.
The pair ensured no late jitters as the hosts opened their campaign with a statement win over the defending champions.
Mumbai Bowlers Struggle to Contain Dhawan
Mumbai Marines secured breakthroughs at regular intervals but were unable to halt Dhawan’s dominance.
Nitish Hooda, Manan Sharma, Yaseen Vallie and Anureet Singh each took a wicket, yet none could stem the flow of runs once Dhawan settled at the crease.
Mohamed Amaan was the most economical bowler, conceding just nine runs from his two overs, but the lack of sustained pressure allowed the Stars to maintain a comfortable required run rate.
Ideal Start for UP Brij Stars
Defeating the defending champions in the opening fixture represents an ideal start to the campaign for UP Brij Stars.
With Dhawan leading from the front, valuable support from Gandhi and Sikarwar, and a disciplined bowling performance restricting Mumbai Marines to 171/9, the Brij Stars have immediately established themselves as a team to watch in Big Cricket League Season 2.
Brief Scores
Mumbai Marines 171/9 (20 overs): Naman Ojha 40 (23), Mohamed Amaan 34 (21), Anureet Singh 31 (17); Jeevan Mendis 2/23, Saurin Thakar 2/36.
UP Brij Stars 172/4 (18.4 overs): Shikhar Dhawan 80 (53), Chirag Gandhi 32* (21), Vikas Sikarwar 17* (9); Anureet Singh 1/16, Nitish Hooda 1/23.
UP Brij Stars won by 6 wickets.