Ritik Tada’s Explosive Finish Powers Lions to 21-Run Victory in Gwalior
Jabalpur Royal Lions delivered a stunning all-round performance to defeat the previously unbeaten Rewa Jaguars by 21 runs in Match 16 of the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) 2025 at Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, Gwalior, on June 20, 2025. The victory marked Jabalpur’s second consecutive win, boosting their momentum in the tournament.
Batting first, Jabalpur overcame early setbacks to post a formidable 185/6, powered by a blazing late-order assault from Ritik Tada and Sanjog Singh. Rewa Jaguars, despite a valiant effort from Prithviraj Singh Tomar, faltered in their chase, finishing at 164/6.
Jabalpur’s Batting Resilience Shines
Jabalpur Royal Lions faced early trouble after being asked to bat, with Rewa’s pacer Saransh Surana striking twice in the power-play to dismiss both openers. The Lions were reeling at 117/6 after 16.1 overs, staring at a modest total.
Siddharth Patidar’s gritty 51 off 36 balls provided stability, blending caution with timely boundaries. However, it was the unbeaten 68-run partnership between Ritik Tada (45* off 22 balls, strike rate 204.5) and Sanjog Singh (36* off 14 balls, strike rate 257.1) that turned the tide. Their aggressive strokeplay in the final overs propelled Jabalpur to a challenging 185/6.
“Initially, we aimed for 170, but after early wickets, we revised it to 160,” Tada said post-match. “The wicket had moisture, but once I got a feel for it, I capitalized on the bowlers’ mistakes.”
Rewa Jaguars Fall Short in Chase
Chasing 186, Rewa Jaguars started steadily with Prithviraj Singh Tomar’s composed 52 off 41 balls. However, Jabalpur’s bowlers, led by Pankaj Patel’s fiery 4-36, triggered a middle-order collapse.
Despite a spirited 42 not out off 28 balls from Mukul Raghav, Rewa struggled to maintain the required run rate, ending at 164/6. Patel’s disciplined spell earned him the Player of the Match award, as Jabalpur ended Rewa’s unbeaten streak.
“The plan was to bowl tight lines early and exploit the soft wicket,” Patel noted, crediting teamwork for the victory.
Key Highlights from Match 16
- Jabalpur’s Late Surge: Ritik Tada and Sanjog Singh’s 68-run stand in the final overs set a daunting target.
- Saransh Surana’s Bowling: Rewa’s pacer claimed 4 wickets, but his team couldn’t capitalize in the chase.
- Pankaj Patel’s Impact: His 4-36 dismantled Rewa’s batting, securing Jabalpur’s dominance.
Why This Match Matters
The Madhya Pradesh League 2025, featuring top regional talent, has captured cricket fans’ attention in India, particularly in Tier-2 cities like Gwalior and Jabalpur. Jabalpur Royal Lions’ victory over the table-topping Rewa Jaguars is a turning point, showcasing their resurgence after a winless start to the season.
This result has significant implications:
- Playoff Race: Jabalpur’s back-to-back wins keep them in contention for the MPL playoffs, while Rewa face pressure to regroup.
- Local Talent Spotlight: Players like Ritik Tada and Pankaj Patel highlight the depth of domestic cricket in Madhya Pradesh, resonating with fans seeking homegrown stars.
- Fan Engagement: With hashtags like #MPL2025 and #JabalpurLions trending, the match is generating buzz on social media, boosting its visibility on Google News and Google Top Stories.
Background: Madhya Pradesh League’s Rising Popularity
Launched to promote domestic cricket, the MPL 2025 showcases emerging players alongside seasoned pros in a T20 format, drawing crowds in Gwalior and beyond. The Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, known for its electric atmosphere, hosted a packed crowd for this clash, amplifying the league’s appeal.
As Jabalpur Royal Lions gain momentum and Rewa Jaguars face their first setback, the MPL continues to captivate Indian cricket fans, offering a platform for young talent to shine. This match’s thrilling finish and standout performances make it a prime candidate for trending on Google News, especially among sports enthusiasts searching for “MPL 2025” and “Jabalpur vs Rewa.”