Senior Women’s T20 League│Defending champions Railways set final date with Maharashtra

Railways continued to exert their dominance as they defeated Odisha by 35 runs in the semi-finals. Maharashtra, who ended Baroda’s run earlier in the day, now stand in their way of bagging a record 10th title.

Yastika Bhatia’s rescue act not enough as Maharashtra outplay Baroda

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana-led Maharashtra made it to the final of the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy. Electing to field first, Maharashtra had a dream start to the game. Their bowlers reduced Baroda to 27/3, including the wicket of captain Radha Yadav. 

Yastika Bhatia, who came in at 3, took it upon herself to resurrect the dwindling innings. She scored 71 off 45 balls, including 10 fours and a six. Her efforts helped Baroda avoid complete embarrassment and post 121/7 in 20 overs.

Maharashtra did not have the best of starts to their chase. Mandhana had not been in the best of touches in the tournament and her dry run continued. She went back to the pavilion on 13, after playing with a strike rate of 100.

However, Shivali Shinde (44) and Tejal Hasabnis (33) took the score from 15/1 to 70/2. Maharashtra required a significant partnership to stabilise the innings, and the duo stitched 55 runs partnership for the second wicket. Finally, Devika Vaidya (21*) ensured that Maharashtra got over the line.

Brief scores: Maharashtra 125/4 in 19.1 overs (Shivali Shinde 44, Tejal Hasabnis 33, Radha Yadav 24/1) defeated Baroda 121/7 in 20 overs (Yastika Bhatia 71, Utkarsha Pawar 21/3) by 6 wickets

Sabbhineni Meghana powers Railways into yet another final

Odisha’s inspiring unbeaten run in the tournament ended as Railways registered a clinical victory over them. Railway’s openers S. Meghana (84) and Nuzhat Parween (55*) justified captain Sneh Rana’s decision to bat first. 

Meghana, in particular, was at her attacking best. Her runs came off 63 balls, laced with 9 fours and a six. The opening partnership put 131 on the board and was instrumental in Railways setting a stiff target of 160.

Odisha showcased grit and determination in their chasing endeavours, especially the top order. Madhuri Meheta top-scored with 35 off 25 balls and stitched a 60-run opening partnership with Kajal Jena (24). However, after the first wicket, Odisha lost the plot and could only muster 124/7 in 20 overs.

Brief scores: Railways 159/2 in 20 overs (S Meghana 84, Nuzhat Parween 55*) defeated Odisha 124/7 in 20 overs (Madhuri Meheta 35, Swagatika Rath 23/2, Tanuja Kanwer 25/2) by 35 runs