The MCA International Stadium in Pune is buzzing with anticipation as the inaugural Maharashtra Women’s Premier League 2025 unfolds, marking a watershed moment for women’s cricket in the state. Launched on June 5th, this pioneering tournament has already ignited fresh rivalries and inspired a new generation of fans, with four formidable teams vying for supremacy in a tightly packed schedule that promises drama and brilliance until the grand finale on June 14th.
Match 4 brings a tantalising contest as the Ratnagiri Jets, helmed by the iconic Smriti Mandhana, lock horns with the spirited Solapur Smashers, led by the dynamic Tejal Hasabnis. Both captains are not just leaders but torchbearers for women’s cricket in Maharashtra, and their on-field strategies and flair are set to take center stage in this high-stakes encounter.
With the Pune Warriors, captained by the ever-reliable Anuja Patil, and the explosive Raigad Royals under the stewardship of Kiran Navgire also in the fray, the league has quickly established itself as a hotbed of competitive cricket and emerging talent. As the action intensifies in Pune, fans can expect not just thrilling matches but also the birth of new heroes and rivalries that will shape the future of women’s cricket in the region.
Squads:
Ratnagiri Jets
Smriti Mandhana (C), Gautami Naik, Dnyanda Nikam, Anushree Swami, Sakshi Kanadi, Shivali Shinde, Tejaswini Batwal, Rasika Shinde, Charmy Gawai, Bhatki Mirajkar, Priyanka Ghodke, Shruti Mahabaleshwarkar, Prerna Sawant, Tejashri Nanaware, Nidhi Shambhwani, Dnyaneshwari Patil, Sanjana Waghmode, Grisha Kataria, Bhumi Phalke, Sruhti Bhoir, Samidha Chougule, Janhavi Bokade, Nandini Sonawane, Priya Kokare
Solapur Smashers
Tejal Hasabnis (C), Ishwari Awasare, 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:
Smriti Mandhana
The vice-captain of the Indian women’s team is appointed as the skipper of the Ratnagiri Jets. She was recently involved in the Tri-nation series in Sri Lanka, where she looked in decent touch, ending the series as the leading run-scorer for India and the 2nd highest run-scorer of the series with 264 runs at an average of 52.80 in three innings, including one half-century and one century to her name in the series. Her wealth of experience across different franchise leagues in the world and at the international level will play a massive role in guiding the youngsters and nurturing local talent.
Shivali Shinde
She has played for Velocity in the Women’s T20 Challenge and represents Maharashtra at the domestic level. She could play a crucial role at the top of the order alongside skipper Smriti Mandhana, a huge opportunity for her to learn from one of the absolute best in the women’s game.
Tejal Hasabnis
The Solapur Smashers skipper is another promising middle-order batter who could bring in a lot of value to the table in terms of leadership. Before the ongoing tournament, she was previously involved in the ODI series against Ireland. She displayed a lot of promise, scoring 83 runs in three innings, including one unbeaten half-century for her side in the series.
Ishwari Awasare
The young all-rounder could potentially be a vital member of the spin attack and a leading batter for the Solapur Smashers in the inaugural edition of the Maharashtra Women’s Premier League 2025. She was a part of India’s Under-19 World Cup squad in the 2nd edition of the tournament in 2025.
Pitch:
The MCA Stadium in Pune offers a well-balanced pitch that favours both batters and bowlers alike. With an average total of 139, the conditions provide ample opportunities for spinners and pacers to make an impact, making it an exciting venue for competitive cricket.
Weather:
The temperature is forecasted to be around 29°C and there also is a 40% chance of showers, coupled with a humidity level of 72%, creating a slightly muggy environment. Moderate winds at 14 km/h may also play a role in on-field conditions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Smriti Mandhana, Shivali Shinde, Tejal Hasabnis, Ishwari Awasare, Asmi Kulkarni, Damini Bankar, Aarti Kedar, Nandini Sonawane, Bhumi Phalke, Gautami Naik, Mukta Magre
Match details:
Date – June 6, 2025
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Broadcast – The game will be streamed live on Jio Hotstar, and the TV Broadcast will be on Star Sports 2 Hindi
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