By team abhyaspeeth 
Pune, April 11: The cricket team of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) emerged victorious in the prestigious Maharashtra State Vice-Chancellor Trophy T20 Cricket Tournament 2025 by defeating Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri in a thrilling final match.
Organized by Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU), Nagpur, the tournament was held from April 3 to April 8, 2025, at Nagpur. The event featured cricket teams of teaching and non-teaching staff from 16 universities across Maharashtra.
SPPU’s team stormed into the final after winning five consecutive matches. In the final against Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Pune University won the toss and elected to bat first. They set a target of 129 runs in 20 overs, with notable contributions from Deepak Gajarmal (32), Baswant Gajalwar (31), and Shantanu Kashid (20). In reply, the Rahuri team could only manage 120 runs in their 20 overs, falling short by 9 runs.
This victory marks SPPU’s third win in the tournament’s history, previously clinching the title in 2018 and 2023.
The win was a result of strong teamwork under the captaincy of Manish Gaikwad, who was awarded Player of the Match, Player of the Series, and Best Batsman of the tournament. Sachin Surve received the Best Bowler award. The award ceremony was graced by Vidarbha cricket captain Akshay Wadkar and MAFSU Vice-Chancellor.
Brief Scorecard:
SPPU: 129/5 in 20 overs (Deepak Gajarmal 32, Baswant Gajalwar 31, Shantanu Kashid 20; B. Rathod 3/36)
MPKV Rahuri: 120/7 in 20 overs (Sachin Sonawane 41, Suhas Bhalerao 39; Manish Gaikwad 3/20, Sunil Mate 2/17)
University officials including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Suresh Gosavi, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Parag Kalker, and Registrar Prof. Dr. Jyoti Bhakare congratulated the team on their outstanding performance.