The inaugural edition of the Maharashtra Women’s Premier League (MWPL) kicked off with a bang on June 6, 2025, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. The opening matches featured electrifying performances from the Solapur Smashers and Pune Warriors, alongside a clash between the Ratnagiri Jets and Raigad Royals. This tournament represents an exciting leap forward in women’s cricket, highlighting the immense talent within the state and fostering a supportive environment for budding female athletes.
In a gripping opener, the Pune Warriors triumphed over the Solapur Smashers by five wickets. Meanwhile, the Ratnagiri Jets Women pulled off a thrilling victory over the Raigad Royals Women, winning by four wickets in a nail-biting chase. Such performances truly set the tone for a memorable league.
Match 1: Solapur Smashers vs Pune Warriors
The Solapur Smashers opted to bat first but faced early setbacks, losing both openers, Ishwari Awasare (8) and Ishwari Savkar (1), and leaving the team struggling at 14/2. However, captain Tejal Hasabnis stepped up to the plate in remarkable fashion, scoring an impressive 69 off 54 balls and being well-supported by Mukta Magre, who made a vital contribution of 36 runs. Together, they formed a resilient partnership, stitching together a crucial 101-run stand for the third wicket that steadied the innings and allowed them to post a competitive total of 139/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Khushi Mulla was the standout bowler for Pune, finishing with figures of 2/19, while Anuja Patil and Chinmayee Borphale also grabbed a wicket apiece.
In response, the Pune Warriors approached their chase with confidence. Openers Suhani Kahandal (36 off 38) and Khushi Mulla (23) set a solid foundation. As the middle order capitalized on the momentum, captain Anuja Patil played a crucial role, contributing 30 off 26 balls. However, it was Shweta Mane’s calmness under pressure that stole the show; her unbeaten 38 off just 24 balls guided Pune to a win at 142/5 in 19.4 overs. Despite the loss, Ishwari Awasare delivered a commendable bowling performance for Solapur, taking 2/22 in her four overs, but the Player of the Match accolade rightfully went to Shweta Mane for her impactful performance.
Match 2: Ratnagiri Jets vs Raigad Royals
In the second match, the Raigad Royals batted first, totaling a competitive 159/8 in 20 overs. Captain Kiran Navgire sparked the innings with a quick-fire 19 off 11, while Bhavika Ahire added 17 off 11. Unfortunately, the middle order struggled to make significant contributions, as Aditi Gaikwad (13) and Rutuja Gilbile (8) fell short of converting their promising starts. The innings gained traction again thanks to Pradnya Veerkar, who anchored the innings with a steady 34 off 28 balls, and Yashoda Ghogare’s late flourish of an unbeaten 23 off 12 balls pushed their total beyond 150.
Defending the score, Sanjana Waghmode stood out among the Ratnagiri bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 25 runs, with Bhakti Mirajkar contributing with a crucial breakthrough. Chasing 160, the Ratnagiri Jets took off brilliantly, led by Gautami Naik, whose composed and aggressive inning of 70 off 46 laid a solid foundation for success. Skipper Smriti Mandhana provided additional momentum, scoring a well-paced 35 off 26. Despite a few quick wickets falling in the middle overs, Ratnagiri held their composure.
In a thrilling finish, the lower middle order, spearheaded by Shivali Shinde (19*) and Rasika Shinde (14 off 11), sealed the victory with just one ball to spare, finishing at 160/6 in 19.5 overs. Yashoda Ghogare excelled with the ball for Raigad, achieving impressive figures of 2/18 in 4 overs, showcasing her all-around talent. Gautami Naik’s outstanding knock earned her the Player of the Match award and demonstrated her vital role in the team’s success.
Image Source: Fancode @ YouTube
