The Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) 2025 witnessed an exciting contest as Gwalior Cheetaz finally opened their winning account by defeating Jabalpur Royal Lions by 15 runs in a high-stakes match. This marks Gwalior’s first victory of the season and hands Jabalpur their second loss in three matches.

Batting first, Gwalior posted a competitive total of 191 runs, thanks to an outstanding unbeaten knock of 93 runs from Rishabh Chauhan. Jabalpur, in response, could manage only 176 runs, falling short despite some fightback.

Rishabh Chauhan’s 93* Powers Gwalior

Gwalior lost early wickets, both openers dismissed with the score at 29. By the end of the powerplay, they were 54/3. However, a crucial 33-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Parth Sahni and Rishabh steadied the innings.

After Parth’s dismissal, Rishabh took full charge, displaying a mix of patience and aggression. He reached his half-century carefully before accelerating, unleashing six fours and six sixes in his quick 47-ball innings to keep Gwalior in a strong position. Despite his heroics, the team couldn't push past the 200-run mark.

Jabalpur’s Struggle and Strong Mid-Innings Fightback

Jabalpur’s chase began poorly with early wickets lost in the powerplay, but a resilient 79-run partnership between Siddharth Patidar (44 runs off 33 balls) and Abhishek Bhandari (53 runs off 35 balls) revived hopes.

Unfortunately for Jabalpur, the dismissal of Patidar and Bhandari in quick succession at 143 runs shifted momentum back to Gwalior.

Gwalior’s Bowling Heroics Seal the Win

In the final overs, Gwalior’s bowlers tightened their grip. Mangesh Yadav was the star bowler, delivering a brilliant spell of 4 wickets for just 23 runs in 4 overs. His clinical bowling ensured Jabalpur fell short by 15 runs.

Ritesh Shakya was also economical for Jabalpur, taking 1 wicket for 12 runs in 3 overs, but it wasn’t enough to save his team from defeat.