The battle was fought between the Maratha forces led by Shivaji Raje Bhosale and the Bijapur troops under General Afzal Khan.

[2][3] In response to Shivaji's incursions and fort captures in the Konkan region, Ali Adil shah, ruler of the Sultanate of Bijapur, appointed Afzal Khan with 10,000 horsemen to confront him.

[4][7][8][9] Although the exact reasons for Afzal Khan's journey to Wai remain unclear, the Shivabharat suggests that it was prompted by Prataprao's betrayal of Shivaji's stronghold, Jawali, to the Sultanate of Bijapur.

Afzal Khan viewed capturing Jawali as a strategic move to gain control over the Wai region, the Sahyadri mountains, and the coastal areas.

Afzal Khan's arrival at Wai marked a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Shivaji and the Sultanate of Bijapur, leading to a pivotal confrontation between the two adversaries.

[4][10][6] One such farman issued to Kanhoji Jedhe, a deshmukh in the Maval region, emphasized the importance of obedience to Afzal Khan's authority and the eradication of Shivaji's forces.

[4][10] Meanwhile, Shivaji mobilized his forces, ordering his cavalry commander Netoji Palkar to lay waste to enemy territory while he himself led his infantry to Jawali.

Shivaji's strategic manoeuvres and alliances with local leaders demonstrated his readiness to confront the advancing Adilshah forces.

The account uses metaphorical language to describe the invasion, mentioning the thunderous sounds of drums and the dust kicked up by horses, but lacks detailed information.

These assaults resulted in Yadav attacking Supe, Pandhare invading Shirwal, Kharade advancing into Saswad, Siddi Hilal targeting Pune, and Saif Khan penetrating Konkan, previously occupied by Shivaji's forces.

[4] Afzal Khan's forces, according to the Shivabharat, inflicted significant damage on Shivaji's territories, reducing them to a distressed state.

This assertion aligns with a letter written by Afzal Khan to Terdal Pargana officials on September 7, 1659, confirming Shivaji's army's destructive actions in Adilshah provinces.

Netoji Palkar, returning from incursions into Adilshah territory, received Shivaji's instructions to await further developments while remaining prepared for action.

[4][6] Ultimately, the stage was set for a crucial meeting between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, where the fate of their conflict would be decided through negotiations or confrontation.

[4][6][5] After the successful elimination of Afzal Khan, Shivaji swiftly dispatched Netoji Palkar from Wai and followed suit shortly thereafter.

[4] Expanding his dominion, Shivaji's troops collected tribute from various areas up to Kolhapur, consolidating Maratha control over these regions.

[4][12][6] Following this victory, Shivaji sent Netoji Palkar to raid deep into Adilshah territory while he personally oversaw the defences of Panhala.