Defending champions Railways stamped their authority again by bagging the Senior Women’s T20 title for the record 10th time. Dayalan Hemalatha and Sabbhineni Meghana starred for the Senh Rana-led side with sublime half-centuries. They made short work of Maharashtra’s target of 160/4 to chase it in 18.1 overs.
Smriti Mandhana sparkles on the grand stage to take Maharashtra’s total to 160/4
India’s top opening batter, Smriti Mandhana (84), led from the front when it mattered the most. The southpaw was in the middle of a lean patch, with no significant score credited to her name. However, her class batting was on full display on the grand stage after she had elected to bat first. She stitched a 74-run opening partnership with Shivali Shinde (30), taking on the much-fancied Railways’ bowling.
Mandhana took 56 balls for her 84, with eleven fours and three sixes to her name. Her innings propelled Maharashtra’s score to 160/4 in 20 overs. Swagatika Rath took three wickets, while one went to Sneh Rana.
S.Meghana and Dayalan Hemalatha allow Railways to chase down a relatively stiff target
Notwithstanding Railways’ batting prowess, it was not going to be an easy chase for them. However, Sabbhineni Meghana ensured that Railways were off to a rollicking start. With Nuzhwat Parween struggling at the other end, Meghana took it upon herself to make the best use of the powerplay.
Parween returned to the pavilion on 10, with the score reading 56/1 at the end of seven overs. Dayalan Hemalatha joined Meghana at the crease, and the latter brought up her fifty soon. Meghana was in supreme touch and sent the ball to the boundary nine times.
Hemalatha looked determined to get Railways over the line after Meghana fell on 52. She played at a brisk rate, with her 65 coming off 41 balls. Her match-winning innings included nine fours and two sixes.
Maharashtra managed to prise out Hemalatha’s wicket, but it was too late. Anjali Sarvani and the captain, Rana, ensured no further damage to defeat Maharashtra by seven wickets.
Brief scores: Railways 165/3 in 18.1 overs (Dayalan Hemalatha 65, Sabbhineni Meghana 52, Maya Sonawane 22/2) defeated Maharashtra (Smriti Mandhana 84, Swagatika Rath 33/3) by 7 wickets