The Entertainment Cricket League (ECL) 2025 reached its thrilling conclusion today, with Chennai Smashers securing a massive 10-wicket victory over Bangalore Bashers in the grand finale. The final, held at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi, saw Chennai produce an outstanding performance that left no doubt about their superiority.
Chennai Smashers’ Flawless Chase
Chennai Smashers entered the final as firm favorites after finishing at the top of the table in the league stage. Their dominance continued as they made light work of Bangalore’s total of 84 runs, chasing it down in just 5 overs.
Openers Gulshan Nain and Rahul Bisht displayed their aggressive intent from the start. Nain smashed a half-century in just 21 balls, showing his remarkable striking ability. Bisht complemented him with a blistering knock of 25 runs off just 9 deliveries. Their unbroken partnership ensured that Chennai reached the target without losing a wicket, wrapping up the final in a mere 30 balls.
Bangalore Bashers’ Batting Collapse
Chennai’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved to be a masterstroke. Bangalore Bashers struggled right from the start, with their skipper Abhishek Malhan and top-order batter Ankit Kumar departing for ducks. The team never managed to recover from the early blows. Tanush Sethi provided a glimmer of hope with a quick 25-run knock, but he lacked support from the other end.
Chennai’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection. Captain Mahesh Keshwala, popularly known as Thugesh, led the attack with a brilliant three-wicket haul. His disciplined bowling restricted Bangalore from building any momentum. Shubham Matta provided great support with another three wickets in his two-over spell, ensuring that Bangalore got bundled out for a modest total.
A Season of Total Dominance
The ECL 2025 season belonged to Chennai Smashers from the beginning. They finished at the top of the league stage with five wins in seven games. Their consistent performances ensured they entered the playoffs with confidence.
In Qualifier 1, Chennai faced Lucknow Lions in a high-pressure game. They chased down a challenging total and won by four wickets, earning a direct spot in the final. Their emphatic win over Bangalore Bashers in the title clash further cemented their legacy as the best team of the season.
Skipper Mahesh Keshwala’s Leadership
Chennai’s journey to the championship saw exceptional leadership from Mahesh Keshwala. His tactical acumen and ability to deliver under pressure made a significant impact on the team’s success. In the final, his three-wicket spell changed the game, putting Bangalore on the back foot from the beginning. His aggressive captaincy and smart field placements ensured that Chennai dictated terms throughout the match.
Beyond his bowling contributions, Keshwala also kept the morale of the team high. His ability to back his players and make quick decisions on the field played a key role in Chennai’s dominance throughout the season.
Unbeatable Opening Pair
Chennai’s opening duo, Gulshan Nain and Rahul Bisht, remained the backbone of their batting lineup. Both players showcased remarkable consistency throughout the season. Their aggressive style of play gave Chennai a flying start in most matches, and the final was no different.
Nain’s ability to score at a rapid pace made him one of the most valuable players of the tournament. His 21-ball half-century in the final highlighted his fearless approach and big-match temperament. Bisht played a perfect supporting role, ensuring that the chase was completed without any hiccups.
Shubham Matta’s Breakthrough Performance
While Keshwala’s leadership grabbed the spotlight, Shubham Matta emerged as a game-changer for Chennai Smashers. His ability to pick up crucial wickets at key moments made him a standout performer. In the final, he dismantled Bangalore’s middle order with his lethal spell. His contributions were instrumental in Chennai’s ability to restrict their opponents to a low total.
A Victory to Remember
The final turned out to be a one-sided affair, but it perfectly reflected Chennai Smashers’ superiority in ECL 2025. Their all-round performances throughout the season ensured that they remained the team to beat. From consistent league-stage wins to handling pressure in the knockout rounds, Chennai proved why they were the best side in the tournament.
Their 10-wicket triumph in the final showcased their dominance in every department. The openers crushed Bangalore’s bowling attack, while the bowlers, led by Keshwala and Matta, dismantled the opposition’s batting lineup.
Looking Ahead
With the ECL 2025 season coming to an end, Chennai Smashers have set new benchmarks for future teams. Their combination of strong leadership, explosive batting, and disciplined bowling will serve as a blueprint for success in the seasons to come.
For Bangalore Bashers, the final was a disappointing end to an otherwise solid season. They will look to bounce back stronger in the next edition. Meanwhile, other teams in the league will take valuable lessons from Chennai’s strategy and execution.
As the celebrations begin for Chennai Smashers, their fans will cherish this dominant title run for years to come. Their victory in ECL 2025 was not just about winning a final—it was about making a statement, and they did it in style.
