Suryakumar flatters to deceive as North Mumbai Panthers starts on a winning note

Suryakumar Yadav returned to the familiar surroundings of the Wankhede Stadium wearing a different shade of blue — that of Triumph Knights Mumbai North East. But neither could the India captain rediscover his touch nor could his side begin its T20 Mumbai campaign on a winning note.

Despite a valiant lone effort from Nutan Goel (93, 56b, 9×4, 5×6), Triumph Knights fell 21 runs short against North Mumbai Panthers, which successfully defended 209 for five in a contest that stretched close to four-and-a-half hours.

Led by veteran Ajinkya Rahane, Panthers held its nerve in the closing stages to secure a winning start.

Suryakumar, batting at No. 4, briefly raised hopes for a sparse Wankhede crowd before falling to experienced left-arm spinner Rahul Sawant. He top-edged a sweep to deep square leg, ending what was expected to be the headline act of the day.

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Once Suryakumar departed, the chase increasingly depended on Goel. The Impact Player almost pulled off the improbable with a scintillating knock, but his lone battle ultimately proved insufficient.

Earlier in the afternoon, opener Hardik Tamore laid the platform for Panthers with a fluent 67 (43b, 9×4, 2×6), ensuring the side maintained momentum through the Powerplay and middle overs.

The finishing touches were then provided by Ayush Vartak and Tanush Kotian. Vartak struck 39 (21b, 2×4, 3×6) while Kotian remained unbeaten on 30 (1×4, 2×6) as the Panthers plundered 73 runs in the last five overs.

Published on Jun 02, 2026