Can Bundelkhand Bulls Defeat Indore Pink Panthers in Record 245-Run Chase?

Gwalior, June 18 (NationPress) In an exhilarating match of the Madhya Pradesh Premier League 2025, the Bundelkhand Bulls achieved the highest successful run chase in the tournament's history, defeating the Indore Pink Panthers by seven wickets in Match 12 at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Stadium on Wednesday.

After winning the toss, Indore Pink Panthers captain Akshat Raghuwanshi chose to bat first, and this decision paid off spectacularly. Raghuwanshi, along with wicketkeeper-opener Arpit Gaud, launched an impressive attack, forming a record-breaking opening partnership of 221 runs—the highest in the tournament's history.

Both players made history by scoring centuries in the same innings, an unprecedented feat for the league. Raghuwanshi scored a stunning 115 off 56 balls (6 fours, 9 sixes), while Gaud made 107 off 53 balls (9 fours, 8 sixes), propelling the Indore Pink Panthers to a daunting total of 244/4 in their 20 overs.

Facing a colossal target and having previously lost their first three matches, the Bundelkhand Bulls maintained their composure. Opener Abhishek Pathak turned the tide with a remarkable 75 off just 22 balls, featuring nine fours and six sixes, reaching his half-century in a mere 13 balls, setting a record for the fastest fifty in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League.

His explosive batting, including a 26-run over against Kulwant Khejroliya, helped the Bundelkhand Bulls to a staggering 99/0 in just 5 overs. Although Pathak fell to Siddhant Agarwal, the momentum remained firmly with the Bulls.

Following this, Karan Tahliyani (67* off 42) and captain Harsh Gawali (43 off 24) played sensibly to guide the innings. After a brief rain interruption at 189/2 after 14 overs, the Bulls resumed with a fierce approach. Gautam Joshi then sealed the victory with a swift 40 off 22 balls, leading the Bundelkhand Bulls to a remarkable 245/3 in 19 overs, completing a chase that resulted in a total of 489 runs scored.

“We understood that the pitch was favorable for batting. Our strategy was to trust ourselves and play confidently, and it paid off. When facing such a large target, there’s no pressure: just express yourself. Once we gained momentum in the power play, we maintained our approach. With two matches left, after chasing such a massive target today, we aim to win both and qualify,” stated Abhishek, who was named Player of the Match.

This victory marked the Bundelkhand Bulls' first points in the tournament, while the Indore Pink Panthers were left astonished despite their record-breaking batting performance.