Defending champions Bhopal Leopards started the new edition in style as they dominated Indore Pink Panthers in the third game of the Madhya Pradesh League 2026. Bhopal Leopards were batting first and were bowled out for 174 in the first innings. It was a good score on a tricky surface but given the batting strength of the Indore Pink Panthers they were the favorites at the halfway mark of the innings. Chasing the target, Indore Pink Panthers got off to a brilliant start as they were 23/0 in two overs and were going strong in the chase.
Bhopal Leopards bowlers came back and put up a spirited show led by Pawan Nirwani. In the third over of the chase, Pawan Nirwani came into the attack and first dismissed Siddhart Patidar and in the very next ball he picked up the wicket of Karan Tahliyani as Indore Pink Panthers were put under pressure at 23/2. Bhopal Leopards bowlers continued putting pressure in the powerplay as Himanshu Shinde picked up the wicket of Atharva Joshi in the fourth over and they were reduced to 36/4.
Venkatesh Iyer fails in the first game of the Madhya Pradesh League
Indore Pink Panthers captain Venkatesh Iyer walked into the crease with his team under pressure. However, he could not continue his brilliant IPL form as he was dismissed for one run off three balls. Indore Pink Panthers were dealt a big blow as Karan Tahliyani picked up the wicket of Iyer. Indore Pink Panthers lost six wickets in nine overs and lost the way completely.
Pawan Nirwani was the star for Bhopal Leopards picking up four wickets while Himanshu, Kamal and Priyanshu picked up two wickets each as Indore Pink Panthers were bowled out for 147. It was an outstanding bowling performance from the Bhopal Leopards side and it was a talking point in the third game of the season.
