In a tense U17 Premier 35-over League final at TKRRG, DLSW U17 Tigers chased down HKCC U17 Nomads’ 174 to win by five wickets and lift the 2025–26 league trophy, thanks to a composed captain’s innings from Preet Mangukiya. Preet’s knock of 85 off 92 balls anchored the chase and proved the defining contribution in a closely fought final.

Nomads set a competitive total
Electing to bat, HKCC Nomads posted 174 for 7 from their 35 overs. The Nomads were driven by Aaryav Khaderia’s steady 50 off 74 balls and a fighting 54 from Veer Mathur, whose measured innings included four fours and a six. Keshav Mathur provided a brisk 24 and Otis Lee chipped in with 6 as the middle order tried to push the score towards a more imposing total. Extras (29) were also significant and nudged the total up, giving the Nomads a target that tested the Tigers’ batting depth.

Nomads innings at a glance

• Total: 174 for 7 (35.0 overs)
• Aaryav Khaderia: 50 (74)
• Veer Mathur: 54 (61)
• Extras: 29

Tigers’ disciplined bowling kept Nomads in check
DLSW Tigers produced disciplined bowling performances to keep the Nomads to a chaseable, yet competitive total. Pransh Kalathiya led the attack with a superb 7-over spell of 2 for 15, including two maidens, stifling scoring through the middle overs. Vir Bavishi also bowled tightly for 7 overs, conceding 21 and maintaining pressure. Aarya Savani chipped in with two wickets for 42, complementing the Tigers’ disciplined field work.

A captain’s innings steers the chase
In reply, the Tigers made a steady start but early hiccups meant they needed a stabilising performance. Captain Preet Mangukiya provided exactly that, pacing his innings to perfection and steering his side through the pressure moments. Mangukiya’s 85 from 92 balls, which included 10 fours, was marked by patience, timely acceleration and responsible captaincy at the crease — rotating strike, farming the strike when needed and shepherding the lower order as wickets fell around him.

Jaival Patel offered useful support with a quickfire 19, while Vir Bavishi contributed 11 to keep the scoreboard moving. Aarya Savani’s 10 not out helped see the Tigers home as they reached 177 for 5 in 33.3 overs, sealing a five-wicket victory with a couple of overs to spare.

Tigers’ chase at a glance

• Total: 177 for 5 (33.3 overs)
• Preet Mangukiya (captain): 85* (92; 10×4) — match-winning innings
• Jaival Patel: 19 (34)
• Extras: 29

Key turning points

• Pransh Kalathiya’s tight opening spell for the Tigers (7-2-15-2) prevented the Nomads from accelerating and ensured the total stayed within reach.
• Preet Mangukiya’s authoritative captain’s innings absorbed the early pressure and anchored the chase; his ability to marshal the innings was crucial when the middle order faced testing moments.
• The lower-order contributions and sensible strike rotation in the final overs allowed the Tigers to chase with composure rather than panic.

Player of the match and captaincy praise
Unsurprisingly, captain Preet Mangukiya was named player of the match for his match-winning 85 and for leading from the front. His innings not only demonstrated technical skill but also maturity beyond his years in a final’s pressure environment.

What the title means
The win crowns DLSW U17 Tigers yet another league champions for 2025–26 and is a reward for a balanced team performance across batting, bowling and fielding throughout the season. For the Nomads, their semi-competitive total and the performances of Veer Mathur and Aaryav Khaderia showed promise, but they will reflect on missed opportunities to add more runs and build partnerships that might have changed the final’s momentum.

Match officials and final notes

• Venue: TKRRG
• Date: 14 March 2026
• Toss: HKCC Nomads U17 won the toss and elected to bat
• Result: DLSW Tigers U17 won by 5 wickets (177/5 in 33.3 overs vs 174/7)