How Did the MP League Change the Game for Jabalpur Royal Lions Against Rewa Jaguars?

Gwalior, June 20 (NationPress) The Jabalpur Royal Lions delivered a dominant all-round display, overcoming the Rewa Jaguars by 21 runs in the 16th match of the Madhya Pradesh League 2025 at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium on Friday, marking the end of Rewa's unbeaten run in the tournament.

Opting to bat first, Jabalpur faced early challenges, losing both openers quickly due to an impressive spell from Saransh Surana. The Jaguars' bowler claimed two wickets during the power-play, unsettling the Lions' batting order.

However, Siddharth Patidar steadied the innings, scoring a determined 51 runs off 36 balls, expertly balancing caution with calculated aggression. Just as he seemed poised to anchor the innings further, Saransh struck again, achieving an impressive four-wicket haul that put Jabalpur in a precarious position.

With the scoreboard showing a modest 117/6 in 16.1 overs, the Lions appeared to be heading for a total around 160-170. Yet, a spectacular late surge from Ritik Tada and Sanjog Singh changed the game. The pair launched a fierce attack in the final overs, forging an unbeaten 68-run partnership.

Ritik powered his way to an unbeaten 45 runs off just 22 balls, boasting a strike rate of 204.5, while Sanjog contributed a rapid 36 not out from 14 deliveries at a strike rate of 257.1, elevating the Jabalpur Royal Lions to a formidable total of 185/6.

In pursuit of 186, Rewa's opener Prithviraj Singh Tomar provided a solid start with a composed 52 runs off 41 balls, but the middle order collapsed under pressure. Despite a late resistance from Mukul Raghav, who finished unbeaten on 42 runs off 28 balls, Rewa ultimately fell short, ending at 164/6 and suffering their first defeat of the season.

The standout bowler for Jabalpur was Pankaj Patel, whose impressive figures of 4-36 earned him the Player of the Match accolade.

After the match, Ritik Tada attributed their success to team awareness and an understanding of the pitch conditions. “Our strategy was straightforward. We recognized the wicket had moisture and was soft, initially aiming for a target of 170. However, following early wickets, we adjusted our goal to about 160. Ultimately, our finishing was effective, allowing us to set a strong total,” he reflected.

Discussing his batting approach, Ritik shared, “The plan was to take my time and settle in since the wicket wasn't easy, and the ball wasn't coming onto the bat well. After facing a few deliveries, I gauged the pitch and the bowlers' tactics, which helped me exploit their errors.”

Ritik also highlighted his current focus throughout the tournament: “At this stage, I'm concentrating on game awareness, understanding the demands of the situation, and responding accordingly.”

This victory marked a significant comeback for the Jabalpur Royal Lions, who had struggled with three consecutive losses earlier in the season. Following this win, they have now achieved back-to-back victories, gaining vital momentum as the league progresses.