Cricket fans across Maharashtra and beyond are set for a historic night on June 14th, 2025, as the grand stage of the MCA International Stadium in Gahunje, Pune, welcomes the much-anticipated final of the very first Maharashtra Women’s Premier League (WMPL).
Under the floodlights, the unbeaten Pune Warriors, led by the astute Anuja Patil, will lock horns with the relentless Solapur Smashers, captained by the dynamic Tejal Hasabnis. It’s a clash that promises fireworks, drama, and the crowning of the league’s first-ever champions.
From the opening ball of the tournament, the Pune Warriors have embodied consistency, teamwork, and tactical acumen. Finishing undefeated at the top of the points table with a flawless 12 points from 6 games, they have set a towering benchmark for excellence.
Anuja Patil’s cool leadership, backed by a squad both experienced and fearless, has seen them not only win every contest but do so with a style that has won admirers across the state. Their performances have been a blend of clinical bowling, sharp fielding, and explosive batting, making them the clear favourites heading into this title bout.
Standing in the Warriors’ path is a team that thrives on resilience and the ability to bounce back, the Solapur Smashers. Despite a couple of setbacks, including two tough defeats at the hands of the Warriors themselves, Tejal Hasabnis’s team have held their nerve and earned their place in the final with 8 points from 6 games.
Their journey has been a testament to hard-fought victories and a never-say-die attitude. They may have fallen short against Pune in their last league encounter (a 5-wicket loss), but the Smashers have shown that when the stakes are highest, they are more than capable of rising to the occasion.
Squads:
Pune Warriors Women’s Cricket Team
Vaishnavi Shinde, Simran Dabas, Saniya Gawade, Shraddha Girme, Shweta Mane, Ishita Khale, Rishita Saikar, Shivanshi Kapoor, Akshaya Jadhav, Samruddhi Shinde, Shalaka Kane, Abhilasha Patil, Neeti Agarwal, Utkarsha Kadam, Sejal Sutar, Shweta Sawant, Khushi Mulla, Soumyalata Birajdar, Pranjali Pise, Anuja Patil, Samruddhi Dale, Chinmayee Borphale, Suhani Kahandal
Solapur Smashers Women’s Cricket Team
Ishwari Awasare, Tejal Hasabnis, Sakshi Waghmode, Mayuri Thorat, Ishwari Savkar, Asmi Kulkarni, Damini Bankar, Aarti Kedar, Gayatri Survase, Samruddhi Banawane, Swanjali Mule, Sharayu Kulkarni, Nikita Singh, Ekta Nangude, Mukta Magre, Shalmali Kshatriya, Sanika Patil, Navya Dubey, Krishi Thakkar, Aachal Agarwal
Players to watch out:
Anuja Patil:
The Pune Warriors skipper had a decent campaign in the inaugural edition of the Maharashtra Women’s Premier League (WMPL). However, she needs to bring her absolute best in all aspects, including her leadership, if she is to guide her side to sign off their flawless campaign with an inaugural title. She has scored 112 runs in five innings with the bat and picked up 7 wickets in 6 matches with the ball for her side.
Chinmayee Borphale:
She is currently the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 13 wickets in 6 innings with the ball. She is a genuine game-changer with the ball for her side, and she has proven it with regular strikes at crucial junctures of the game for Pune Warriors throughout the tournament. Her form with the ball is pivotal for her side’s chances in the grand finale.
Tejal Hasabnis:
The Solapur Smashers skipper, Tejal Hasabnis, is currently the leading run-scorer of the tournament with 239 runs at an impressive strike rate of 155.19 in six innings, including three half-centuries with the bat for her side. In a big grand finale, the skipper needs to lead from the front for her side and settle those early nerves.
Aarti Kedar:
She has been very impressive with the ball for the Solapur Smashers and is currently the 2nd highest wicket-taker for her side with 9 wickets in 6 matches with the ball for her side so far. She is yet again poised to play a crucial role with the ball for her side.
Pitch:
The pitch at MCA Stadium is true and firm, offering a solid surface that favors batting with consistent bounce, rewarding players who play their strokes confidently. While fast bowlers can expect some early swing, spinners are likely to play a key role as the match progresses. Overall, it’s a well-balanced wicket that is set to deliver competitive and exciting cricket.
Weather:
Expect a warm and humid day with a high of 29°C. The skies will be mostly cloudy, and you can anticipate a brief shower or two in the morning, followed by periods of rain that may become heavy in the afternoon, with a 97% chance of precipitation.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Anuja Patil, Samruddhi Dale, Tejal Hasabnis, Ishwari Savkar, Akshaya Jadhav, Vaishnavi Shinde, Shweta Mane, Aarti Kedar, Gayatri Survase, Chinmayee Borphale, Shraddha Girme
Match Details:
Date – June 14, 2025
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Grounds, Pune
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode App and Website
