Eastern Bay cricket fans have plenty to celebrate this season as Whakatāne’s Kunal Mahajan delivered an outstanding performance in the 2025-2026 Lakelands Senior Cricket Championship, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the entire T20 competition.

Mahajan’s consistent bowling performances throughout the season earned him recognition as one of the most impactful bowlers in the league, playing a major role in helping Whakatāne Rangatahi Sports and Heritage Club secure the Lakelands T20 championship.

The grand final at Ray Boord Park Reserve saw Rangatahi produce a dominant display.

After bowling their opponents out for just 49 runs, the team comfortably chased down the target to win by nine wickets and seal the title for the 2025-2026 season.

Mahajan's ability to break crucial partnerships and control the game during key overs proved vital throughout the competition, with his wicket-taking performances consistently giving his team the advantage.

“Everyone in the team played a key role in this success. It is a proud moment for our club, and we are proud to have made Whakatāne – the city we represent – proud as well,” Mahajan said.

Alongside Mahajan’s dominance with the ball, teammate Harry “Hulk” also had an outstanding season with the bat, finishing as the highest run-scorer in the T20 competition.

“This achievement belongs to the whole team. The support and teamwork from everyone made the difference,” he said.

The club’s strong form has also continued in the T40 format of the Lakelands Championship, where Whakatāne Rangatahi remain unbeaten during the 2025-2026 season. The team sits at the top of the table and has secured a place in the semi-finals.

The achievement is even more remarkable as this is the first season for Whakatāne Rangatahi Sports and Heritage Club in the Lakelands competition.

Despite being a new club without a long history in the league, the team has quickly made its mark by winning the T20 championship and remaining unbeaten so far in the T40 competition.

For the Whakatāne community, the achievements of Mahajan, Harry and the Rangatahi squad represent a proud moment for local sport.

With the T20 trophy already secured and the team still unbeaten so far in the T40 competition, the 2025-2026 season is shaping up to be a memorable one.

For a club in its very first season, the success of Rangatahi highlights the growing strength of local cricket and suggests that the future of cricket in Whakatāne looks very strong.