Ratnagiri Jets vs Puneri Bappa Match Preview – Maharashtra Premier League 2025

Date: June 6, 2025
Time: 09:30 GMT / 2:00 PM IST
Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association International Stadium, Pune
Series: Maharashtra Premier League 2025
Tournament Format: T20
Broadcaster: FanCode

Match Overview

The third match of the Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) 2025 sees Ratnagiri Jets take on Puneri Bappa at the MCA Stadium in Pune. With the tournament in its early stages, this fixture promises to be a crucial one for both teams as they look to lay the foundation for a successful campaign.

Ratnagiri Jets: The Defending Champions Under Pressure

Ratnagiri Jets, the defending champions, started their campaign on a sour note, losing their opening match to Eagle Nashik Titans. Despite scoring a massive 194 for 6, their bowlers were unable to defend the total, conceding the target with 10 balls to spare. The Jets will be eager to bounce back and prove that their title-winning form is still intact.

Key Strengths:

• Batting Depth: A strong top-order led by Dhiraj Phatangare, with consistent support from Azim Kazi and Divyang Hinganekar.
• All-Rounders: Satyajeet Bachhav and Pradeep Dadhe can contribute with both bat and ball.
• Experienced Squad: A well-balanced lineup with depth in all departments.

Weaknesses:

• Bowling Struggles: The Jets struggled against the Titans, with their bowlers giving away too many runs in the middle and death overs.
• Need for Consistency: They will need to show more consistency with the ball to avoid a repeat of their first match.

Puneri Bappa: The Underdogs with a Point to Prove

Puneri Bappa, on the other hand, finished last in the points table in the previous edition of the MPL, managing only three wins in 10 matches. This match is their opening fixture, and a winning start could give them the confidence they need for the rest of the season.

Key Strengths:

• Bowling Depth: A strong bowling unit with variations and good pace, led by Sachin Bhosale, Aayush Raktade, and Murtaza Trunkwala.
• All-Rounders: Players like Neel Gandhi and Roshan Waghsare provide balance.
• Potential Explosive Hitters: Yash Kshirsagar and Naushad Shaikh have the ability to change the course of a match with their batting.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent Batting: The middle-order often struggles to hold the innings together.
• Captain Absence: Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is on India A duty in England and will miss this match, which could affect the team's leadership and overall performance.

Head-to-Head Record

In their previous three encounters in the MPL, Ratnagiri Jets have dominated Puneri Bappa, winning all three matches. This head-to-head record adds extra pressure on the Bappa side to break the trend and register a historic win.

Match Prediction and Key Players to Watch

Key Players:

• Ratnagiri Jets:

  • Dhiraj Phatangare – The opening batter with a strong strike rate.
  • Azim Kazi – Provides middle-order stability.
  • Satyajeet Bachhav – A dangerous all-rounder.
  • Pradeep Dadhe – The key bowler in the death overs.

• Puneri Bappa:

  • Naushad Shaikh – A consistent top-order batter.
  • Yash Kshirsagar – A rising star with explosive hitting.
  • Sachin Bhosale – A wicket-taking machine.
  • Aayush Raktade – A match-changing all-rounder.

Toss Prediction

We predict Puneri Bappa will win the toss and choose to bowl first. With the MCA pitch being slightly favoring the bowlers in the second innings, and the weather conditions being hot and dry, the Bappa side will look to exploit the early swing and the lack of dew.

Score Prediction

• If Ratnagiri Jets bat first: 165-175
• If Puneri Bappa bat first: 145-155

Final Prediction

Despite the absence of their captain and the daunting head-to-head record, Puneri Bappa has the talent and the motivation to put up a strong fight. However, Ratnagiri Jets, with their batting depth and experience, are the favourites to win this match.

Predicted Winner: Ratnagiri Jets

Fantasy Team XI (Captain & Vice-Captain Picks)

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Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments below!