The Maharashtra Premier League (MPL), organized by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA), got off to a grand start on Thursday. In the opening match Kolhapur Smugglers had to face defeat against Puneri Bappa. The Pune team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, produced an impressive performance to win by eight wickets against the Kolhapur team.
Our rating for __________ @rutu1331
Plus, he hit the number 6__ tonight!
,,#MPLonFanCode pic.twitter.com/SA1h1h6VdT— FanCode (@FanCode) June 15, 2023
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Pawan Shah got Pune off to an aggressive and scintillating start in their chase of 145 set by Kolhapur. Together, they put on an impressive partnership, scoring 110 runs in just 10 overs. Ruturaj Gaikwad played a brilliant knock of 64 off just 27 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes. Pawan Shah played an important inning of 57 runs in 48 balls with the help of six fours and a six. Thereafter, Suraj Shinde and Yash Kshirsagar took Pune to a resounding victory. Suraj Shinde scored 11 while Yash Kshirsagar remained unbeaten on 48. Shreyas Chavan and Taranjit Singh took one wicket each for Kolhapur team.
Kolhapur managed to score a total of 144 runs during their innings. Pune captain Ruturaj Gaikwad elected to bowl first and made an immediate impact by dismissing Ankit Bawne, who smashed a brilliant 57-ball 72 studded with seven fours and a six. Despite their efforts, Kolhapur Smugglers scored a total of 144 runs in the allotted 20 overs losing seven wickets. Kedar Jadhav (25 off 22 balls, including three fours and a six) and Ankit Bawne got Kolhapur off to a brisk start. Rohan Damle broke the partnership by dismissing Kedar Jadhav. Later, Nausad Sheikh emerged as the top-scorer for Kolhapur with his contribution of 20 off 24 balls. Kolhapur ended their innings by scoring 144 runs losing seven wickets.
Ankit Bawne and Kedar Jadhav got off to a flying start for Kolhapur, adding 65 runs in eight overs. After the dismissal of captain Kedar Jadhav, Ankit Bawne took charge and played a brilliant innings scoring 72 runs off 57 balls. Unfortunately, Nausad Shaikh failed to contribute to the scoreboard by scoring a duck. The three wickets taken by the Pune bowlers prevented any other batsman from building up and building partnerships.