The final of the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) 2023 ended in disappointment as relentless rain prevented a result, despite the presence of a reserve day. However, Ratnagiri Jets emerged as the champions of the league based on their top position in the league stage.
After a glittering closing ceremony on Thursday night, the Ratnagiri Jets – led by Azim Kazi – were awarded the prestigious trophy on Friday afternoon. The league had been revived after its last edition in 2011, and the Jets’ consistent performance throughout the tournament earned them the title.
Unfortunately, the much-anticipated final match could not take place as scheduled due to the inclement weather. The rain persisted, leading to the abandonment of the match even after 16 overs of the Kolhapur Tuskers’ innings.
Kedar Jadhav’s Tuskers managed to reach a score of 80 for eight before the weather intervened.
During the limited play that was possible, left-arm spinner Kunal Thorat made a significant impact for the Jets. He dismissed Ankeet Bawane, the holder of the Orange Cap, and left-handed batter Sahil Autade in the Powerplay before the first rain break.
Tennis-ball specialist Vijay Pawale, who had a stellar tournament, added to his success by removing Tuskers’ captain Jadhav (32 runs off 28 balls, including two fours and two sixes) after the second interruption.
According to the playing conditions, in the event of no result in the playoffs, the team that had a higher position in the league stage would progress. As a result, the match officials and the Maharashtra Cricket Association declared Ratnagiri Jets as the deserving champions. Both the Jets and the Tuskers had equal points, but the Jets secured their victory based on a better net run rate.
RATNAGIRI JETS IT IS! 🏆🤩
The match has been abandoned and the team finishing higher on the table has been declared as the winner of #ShriramCapitalMPL2023
CONGRATULATIONS to the Jets 🥳🎊#ThisIsMahaCricket #MPL #MPLT20 #ratnagirijets #kolhapurtuskers #Champions pic.twitter.com/wRPZ82fzhK
— MPLT20Tournament (@mpltournament) June 30, 2023