Yankees edge Dodgers in baseball exhibition match in Mumbai

MUMBAI — Thousands of spectators filled the stands at Andheri Sports Complex on Saturday to witness an exhibition baseball match between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, a rare sporting event in India where cricket dominates the athletic landscape.

The Yankees secured victory in the match, which was held as part of efforts to expand baseball's footprint in South Asia. The event attracted considerable attention from local sports enthusiasts, including cricket fans curious about the differences between bat-and-ball sports.

Among those in attendance was Indian cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has previously expressed interest in exploring other sports. His presence at the match highlighted the broader appeal of the exhibition game beyond traditional baseball audiences.

The match represents part of a growing initiative by baseball organizations to introduce the sport to new audiences in Asia. Mumbai, as India's financial and entertainment hub, provided an ideal venue to showcase professional baseball to a sports-conscious population of several million residents.

While cricket remains India's dominant sport, the exhibition underscored the potential for baseball to gain traction among Indian sports fans seeking international sporting experiences.