The inaugural edition of the Maharashtra Women’s Premier League (MWPL) commenced with an exhilarating opening match between the Solapur Smashers and Pune Warriors; Ratnagiri Jets and Raigad Royals at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on June 6, 2025. This landmark tournament signifies a significant advancement in promoting women’s cricket and shaping finest talent within the state.
In a closely contested encounter, the Pune Warriors edged out the Solapur Smashers by five wickets, and Ratnagiri Jets Women edged out the Raigad Royals Women by four wickets in a thrilling chase at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
Match 1: Solapur Smashers vs Pune Warriors
Opting to bat first, the Solapur Smashers found themselves in early trouble with both openers, Ishwari Awasare (8) and Ishwari Savkar (1), falling cheaply and leaving them reeling at 14/2. However, skipper Tejal Hasabnis led a commendable fightback, crafting a brilliant 69 off 54, and was ably supported by Mukta Magre, who played a steady hand with 36 runs.
The pair stitched together a crucial 101-run stand for the third wicket, anchoring the innings and setting a competitive total of 139/6 in 20 overs. For Pune, Khushi Mulla stood out with the ball, finishing with 2/19, while captain Anuja Patil and Chinmayee Borphale chipped in with a wicket each.
In reply, Pune Warriors approached the chase with composure. Openers Suhani Kahandal 36 off 38 and Khushi Mulla 23 laid a solid platform. The middle-order capitalized on the momentum, with captain Anuja Patil scoring a crucial 30 off 26. The real game-changer, however, was Shweta Mane, who delivered a calm and composed knock, remaining unbeaten on 38* off just 24 deliveries, guiding Pune to victory at 142/5 in 19.4 overs.
Solapur’s Ishwari Awasare put in a fighting effort with the ball, taking 2/22 in her four overs. For her match-winning performance under pressure, Shweta Mane was deservedly adjudged the Player of the Match.
Match 2: Ratnagiri Jets vs Raigad Royals
After being asked to bat first, Raigad Royals put up a competitive 159/8 in 20 overs. Captain Kiran Navgire provided an aggressive start with a quickfire 19 off 11, while Bhavika Ahire chipped in with 17 off 11. However, the middle order failed to capitalize, as Aditi Gaikwad (13) and Rutuja Gilbile (8) fell without converting their starts.
The innings gained momentum again through Pradnya Veerkar, who anchored the side with a steady 34 off 28, and a late flourish from Yashoda Ghogare, who smashed an unbeaten 23 from 12 to push the total beyond 150.
Among the Ratnagiri bowlers, Sanjana Waghmode was the standout, picking up 2 wickets for 25 runs, while Bhakti Mirajkar also contributed with a crucial breakthrough.
Chasing 160, Ratnagiri Jets got off to a flying start with Gautami Naik leading the charge. Her composed and aggressive 70 off 46, laid the foundation for the successful chase. Skipper Smriti Mandhana added to the momentum with a well-paced 35 off 26. Though Raigad Royals struck back with a few quick wickets in the middle overs, Ratnagiri remained composed.
The lower middle order, led by Shivali Shinde 19* and Rasika Shinde 14 off 11, steered the team home in the final over, completing the chase at 160/6 in 19.5 overs. Yashoda Ghogare was the pick of the bowlers for Raigad, returning impressive figures of 2/18 in 4 overs, putting up a fight with both bat and ball. For her match-winning knock at the top of the order, Gautami Naik was rightfully adjudged the Player of the Match.
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