In a tournament that marked history, the grand finale of the first-ever Women’s Maharashtra Premier League wasn’t just a cricket match, it was a celebration of dreams, determination and the dawn of a new chapter in women’s sport. The stage was set, the lights were bright, and Maharashtra witnessed its first-ever WMPL Champions, Pune Warriors Women.
Batting first in a rain-curtailed finale reduced to 18 overs, the Pune Warriors posted a competitive total of 129/6. The innings began on a cautious note as Khushi Mulla (17 off 15), Suhani Kahandal (20 off 26), and Akshaya Jadhav (29 off 23) ensured a steady start but couldn’t quite accelerate early on. It was the experienced shoulders of captain Anuja Patil and Shweta Mane that lifted the innings, as they stitched a crucial 53-run stand for the middle order.
Anuja played a captain’s knock, scoring a vital 30* off 21 balls, while Mane provided strong support with 25 off 19 deliveries. However, Pune’s momentum was halted in the death overs, with the lower order faltering and failing to capitalize. Swanjali Muley made an instant impact with a game-changing spell of 2 wickets for just 6 runs in a single over, while Aachal Agarwal chipped in with 2 for 26, tightening the screws on the Warriors’ scoring in the final overs.
Chasing a competitive target of 130 in the finale, Solapur found themselves in early trouble. Star opener Ishwari Awasare managed only 8 off 8 balls, and the tournament top-scorer Ishwari Savkar couldn’t convert her start, falling for 22 off 20. Captain Tejal Hasabnis tried to inject momentum with a brisk 16 off just 9 balls at a fiery strike rate of 177.77.
The middle order fought hard as Mukta Magre anchored the innings with a gritty 40 off 41, while Shalmali Kshatriya kept hopes alive with a quickfire 34 off 23. The equation was down to 2 runs needed off the final ball and the final spell sealed a thrilling 1-run victory for Pune Warriors who are crowned the inaugural WMPL Champions.
Anuja Patil led from the front, not just with the bat but also the ball, picking up a crucial 2/30. Ishita Khale supported well with 2/24, applying consistent pressure throughout the innings.
