Team A cruises to the final of Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy

Priya Punia’s 83 powers Team A to a 14-run win over Team D in their last league match of Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy on Monday in Ranchi.

Batting first, Team A posted 145/4 in 20 overs, riding on opening batter Punia’s heroics. The right-hander came out all guns blazing as she packed a punch with an unconquered 83 off 65 balls, hitting seven fours and three maximums. Apart from Punia, India all-rounder Arundhati Reddy played a useful hand with the bat contributing 32 from 26, smashing four fours. While the bowlers of Team D did not have much to cheer, Madhu stood out with her two-wicket haul.

In reply, Team D, who had not tasted victory in this tournament, started badly as they lost their opener Shafali Verma (5) in the second over. Though her opening partner Humairaa Kaazi fought hard with a well-made 50 from 39 balls, it was not enough as the team was restricted to 131/8 in 20 overs. The Mumbai batter registered her second half century in this tournament and her innings was laced with seven hits to the fence. But the effort went in vain as Team A bowled exceedingly well with Saika Ishaque, Hani Patel, and Mita Paul chipping in two wickets apiece.

Team D ended their horrific run in this Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy with four losses in as many matches. Conversely, Team A will play the final on Wednesday against the winner of the match between Team B and Team E.

Brief Scores: Team A 145/4 in 20 overs (P Punia 83 not out; Madhu 2/16) beat Team D 131/8 in 20 overs (H Kaazi 50; H Patel 2/12) by 14 runs