Just four days after leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the IPL title, Rajat Patidar returned to action at Holkar Stadium in Indore on Wednesday. The Madhya Pradesh star, whose availability for the Madhya Pradesh League opener remained uncertain until match day, joined Gwalior Cheetahs and captained the side against Ujjain Falcons.
However, it was Delhi Capitals youngster Madhav Tiwari who emerged as the undisputed star of the night for Ujjain Falcons. After winning the toss, Gwalior opted to field, but the decision backfired as Ujjain Falcons piled up a formidable 221 for 6. Openers Chanchal Rathore and Yash Dubey set the tone with a 53-run stand, while Dubey struck 37 off 26 balls. Ojaswa Yadav contributed 31 before Tiwari unleashed a stunning assault in the closing overs.
The 22-year-old all-rounder remained unbeaten on 62 from just 31 deliveries, smashing four fours and five sixes. He reached his half-century in only 23 balls and shared an unbroken 50-run partnership with Aryan Anand Pandey to propel the Falcons past the 220-mark. Tiwari had entered the tournament as one of its most closely watched young players following an impressive IPL season with Delhi Capitals.
Chasing 222, Gwalior never recovered from early setbacks and were bowled out for 129 in 14.2 overs. Local batter Parth Chaudhary provided the lone spark, hammering 46 off just 18 balls with five sixes and three boundaries. Patidar, greeted warmly by fans on his return to Indore, could score only 11 runs.
Aayush Mankar claimed three wickets as Ujjain, the new team in MPL, sealed a commanding 92-run victory to begin their MPL campaign in style.
Before the match, the Madhya Pradesh League T20 Scindia Cup commenced in spectacular fashion, blending cricket with a powerful message of sustainability. A record-sized Tricolour, measuring 35 metres by 20 metres and crafted from waste generated by nearly 11,000 plastic bottles, was unfurled during the opening ceremony. Carried onto the field by 150 students, the flag drew loud applause from spectators. A giant MPL flag made from recycled plastic waste was also displayed. The ceremony highlighted Indore’s achievements in cleanliness and recycling while marking the start of an expanded MPL season featuring 10 men’s and five women’s teams.
The women’s MPL matches will begin on Thursday where Chambal Ghariyals will play Gwalior Shernis at Daly College in the morning match.
