Mumbai Cobras clinched a landmark 9–2 win over the Karachi Monarchs, securing the first season series victory in Baseball United history at Baseball United Ballpark in Dubai. The night was defined by the outstanding performance of three India-born pitchers, Akshay More, Saurabh Gaikwad and Tushar Lalwani marking a breakthrough moment for Indian participation in professional baseball.
India’s first-ever professional starting pitcher, Akshay More, set the tone with a composed debut, delivering three innings of high-quality baseball. He conceded just one hit and struck out three, giving Mumbai an early edge. Saurabh Gaikwad followed with an electric 0.2-inning spell, claiming both outs with sharp strikeouts. Mumbai-born Tushar Lalwani then closed out the final two innings, allowing only one hit and adding a strikeout, sealing a memorable win for the Cobras.
Baseball United Season One, the region’s newest and fastest-growing professional league, is streamed digitally on the Zee 5 app and telecasted live on three of ‘Z’s leading linear channels- Zee Café SD, &Flix SD, and &Pictures HD. Broadcast is available in English, expanding accessibility for fans across India’s diverse regions. Baseball United’s inaugural season will include the league’s four founding franchises - Arabia Wolves, Mid East Falcons, Karachi Monarchs, and the Mumbai Cobras.
Speaking on the inaugural season, Ms. Laxmi Shetty, Head-Advertisement Revenue, Broadcast and Digital, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd."At ‘Z’, we are committed to bringing global sporting experiences to Indian audiences and establishing India as a global platform for international sports. Baseball United is more than a broadcast partnership; it’s an opportunity to introduce India to a new sporting journey. Watching three Indian-born pitchers’ script a historic series win for the Cobras is something truly special. We want Indian fans to see these moments as they happen, to connect with new heroes, and to feel part of a sport that’s ready to grow in a big way. At ‘Z’, we are delighted to be associated with Baseball United, bringing this journey into millions of homes through our linear TV channels and Zee 5 app.”
India is a cornerstone of Baseball United’s long-term vision, partnering with ‘Z’, with combined linear and digital platforms reach over 800 million viewers in India. The collaboration includes coverage of all 21 of Baseball United’s Season One games this November and December, including several primetime matches featuring the Mumbai Cobras, India’s first professional baseball franchise.
The partnership includes a full allotment of supplementary content on Zee 5 app, including player features, ballpark highlights, Baseball 101 clips, behind-the-scenes segments, and an original documentary on the building of the league. ‘Z’ will support the partnership with promotion across its linear and OTT network, with teasers, ad spots, Astons, and additional branded content. Both Baseball United and ‘Z’ will also collaborate on a full slate of social media posts and campaigns.
All games will be broadcast live and include world-class players, music, entertainment, and fan experiences. The season will culminate with the United Series Championship, set for December 12th, 13th, and 14th.