Aakash Tigers MWS vs Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals T20Mumbai Prediction, Standings, Players and odds: 4/5/2025

After a prolonged hiatus, the T20 Mumbai League is making its return, launching just one day after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League 2025. The tournament is expected to draw significant attention, featuring several established names from Indian cricket, including Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, and Ajinkya Rahane.

The second match on opening day will see Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburb (ATMWS) face off against Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals (MSCMR) at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. This historic venue, known for its high-scoring games and electric atmosphere, is set to welcome back local heroes and rising domestic talent alike.

Leading the Aakash Tigers will be Sarfaraz Khan, a seasoned Mumbai cricketer looking to make a statement after going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. Opposing him will be Tushar Deshpande, an experienced pacer and the captain of the Maratha Royals. Both squads feature players who participated in the recent Navi Mumbai Premier League (NMPL), bringing form and match readiness into this contest.

Aakash Tigers Overview

The Aakash Tigers enter this year’s tournament with a balanced lineup that includes a deep batting unit and multiple all-round options. Captain Sarfaraz Khan, who has consistently performed on the domestic circuit, will look to capitalize on his familiarity with Mumbai conditions and lead from the front.

The middle order will be key to the Tigers’ strategy. Siddarth Akre, who played crucial roles in several successful chases during the NMPL, brings composure and finishing ability in the lower middle order. Alongside him, Arjun Dani, a batting all-rounder, will be expected to continue his strong form. His 63 not out from 37 balls in a recent local T20 match underlined his ability to accelerate late in the innings.

Shams Mulani, another spin-bowling all-rounder with proven credentials, adds versatility to the squad. He will likely play a central role with both bat and ball. The presence of two wicketkeeper-batters—Sufiyan Shaikh and Hardik Tamore—gives the team flexibility in their lineup depending on conditions and opposition.

In the bowling department, Salman Idris Khan, Yash Nagesh Dube, and Karan Shah will be central figures. Each has shown promise in local leagues, with pace and spin options available depending on match conditions.

Aakash Tigers MWS Players

Predicted Playing XI – Aakash Tigers MWS: Sarfaraz Khan (c), Vasim Khan, Siddarth Akre, Shams Mulani, Arjun Dani, Hardik Tamore (wk), Karan Shah, Salman Idris Khan, Yash Nagesh Dube, Sylvester Dsouza, Sufiyan Shaikh

Maratha Royals Overview

Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals enter the fixture with an array of versatile players and a strong leadership core. Captain Tushar Deshpande, a consistent performer in domestic cricket and the IPL, will spearhead the bowling attack and provide direction to a team that appears well-rounded on paper.

Siddesh Lad is expected to open the innings. Though he had limited opportunities during his time with the Mumbai Indians, his experience and technical ability make him a reliable top-order option. Partnering with him could be Armaan Jaffer and Chinmay Sutar, both of whom have been active in Mumbai’s competitive cricket circuit.

The middle order features Shashwat Jagtap, an all-rounder who did not bowl in recent matches but was effective with the bat. Supporting the batting and bowling will be Vaibhav Mali and Maxwell Swaminathan. Both were key performers in the Navi Mumbai Premier League, with Mali producing match-defining knocks and Swaminathan excelling as a wicket-taker.

Aditya Dhumal, a left-arm spinner, offers both control and late-order batting strength. He was instrumental for the Namo Bandra Blasters in NMPL, contributing in both departments. The bowling unit is completed by Irfan Umair and Varun Dinesh Rao, rounding out a squad with strategic depth and flexibility.

Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals Players

Predicted Playing XI – Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals: Siddesh Lad, Armaan Jaffer, Chinmay Sutar, Shashwat Jagtap, Vaibhav Mali, Sachin Yadav (wk), Maxwell Swaminathan, Aditya Dhumal, Tushar Deshpande (c), Irfan Umair, Varun Dinesh Rao

Aakash Tigers MWS vs Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals Weather Reports

Wankhede Stadium is expected to offer a surface that favors batters, as has been the trend in recent T20 matches at the venue. The average first-innings total across the last five T20 games is 183, though teams targeting victory have often aimed for scores above 195. The pitch offers good bounce and carry, making stroke play easier, though bowlers with variation and control can still influence proceedings.

Weather forecasts predict light rain in Mumbai during the day, with temperatures peaking around 31°C. Conditions are expected to improve by match time, though cloud cover may linger, potentially offering assistance to seam bowlers early on.

Tactical Focus: Toss and Match Strategy

Recent trends at Wankhede indicate no overwhelming advantage to either side at the toss, with teams batting first winning three of the last five matches. However, given both teams’ batting depth and preference for chasing under lights, bowling first may still be a preferred option. The ability to assess pitch behavior and dew impact during the second innings could influence this decision.

Aakash Tigers MWS vs Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals Prediction

The Aakash Tigers, under Sarfaraz Khan, possess a strong batting lineup and capable bowlers. However, they will be facing a Maratha Royals side that appears more balanced across departments. With multiple in-form all-rounders, recent match experience from the NMPL, and an experienced bowling unit, Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals enter the game with a slight edge.

Aakash Tigers will need their middle order to fire and their bowlers to strike early to counter the depth and form of their opponents. As both teams look to begin their campaign on a positive note, execution under pressure will likely be the deciding factor.

Prediction: Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals to win