MPL 2024: Ratnagiri Jets recreate history by winning back-to-back titles
The Ratnagiri Jets triumphed over the Eagle Nashik Titans by 24 runs to secure their second Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) title. The Jets entered the final as firm favorites based on their victory in the inaugural edition last year. However, the Titans, having beaten the Azim Kazi-led side twice in the league phase and coming off a superb win over the PBG Kolhapur Tuskers in Qualifier 2, posed a significant challenge.
The Jets’ innings started shakily, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Kiran Chormale and Abhishek Pawar provided much-needed stability, taking the score from 56/4 to 100/4 before Chormale was dismissed for 35 by Prashant Solanki. Pawar’s quickfire 28 off 22 balls, including three sixes, added crucial runs.
Despite continued setbacks, Nikhil Naik’s unbeaten 36 off 25 deliveries offered hope for the Jets. Known for his explosive knocks in the death overs, Naik’s slightly more measured innings propelled his team to a competitive total of 160/8.
Early breakthroughs by the Jets’ bowlers were imperative, with Divyang Hinganekar taking two wickets in the third over, leaving the Titans struggling at 10/2. Renowned for their strong bowling unit, the Jets showcased their prowess on the grand stage.
Satyajeet Bachhav, the Purple Cap winner, dismantled the Titans’ middle order with his left-arm orthodox spin. He clean-bowled Kaushal Tambe, Atharva Kale, and Mukesh Chaudhary, also taking the wicket of Ranjit Nikam. Chaudhary’s half-century was the only significant resistance, but his dismissal in the 20th over sealed the Titans’ fate.
The star performers for Ratnagiri Jets in MPL 2024
Top run-scorer: Dhiraj Phatangare (290 runs)
The Jets’ success in MPL 2024 was a true team effort, especially in batting. While none of their players were among the top nine run-scorers, solid contributions came from Dhiraj Phatangare (290 runs in 12 innings), Azim Kazi (289 runs in 12 innings), Nikhil Naik (246 runs in 11 innings), and Divyang Hinganekar (235 runs in 11 innings).
Top wicket-taker: Satyajeet Bachhav (25 wickets)
Satyajeet Bachhav led the charge in bowling with 25 wickets in 11 innings, often turning the tide during the middle overs. Support came from Divyang Hinganekar (12 wickets in 12 innings) and Pradeep Dadhe (11 wickets in 10 innings), who delivered key powerplay overs. Spin bowlers Kunal Thorat and Yogesh Chavan further stifled the opposition, with economy rates of 6.14 and 6.57, respectively.
Despite the highs and lows of their MPL 2024 campaign, the Ratnagiri Jets’ consecutive trophy win cements their status as serial winners. Azim Kazi and co. will be eager to defend their title and make a hat-trick in the MPL 2025 edition.
