The grand finale of the Maharani T20 Trophy 2025 delivered high drama, gritty performances, and an inspiring display of women’s cricket as Hubli Tigers etched their name into history by clinching the maiden title. In a closely contested battle, they overcame Mysore Warriors by 11 runs, sealing a memorable victory in the first-ever edition of the tournament.
Batting first, Hubli Tigers posted a fighting total of 107 all out in 19.5 overs, a score that did not appear imposing at first glance but proved to be match-winning on the big stage. The start was cautious, with opener Shreya Chavan contributing 8 runs before falling early. Krishika Reddy looked in decent touch with 13 off 13 balls, while H. Bhavika Reddy added a quick 14 off 13 to keep the scoreboard moving.
The pivotal moment for Hubli came when Monica Patel and B.G. Tejashwini forged a crucial 33-run stand, injecting momentum into the innings. Monica played with confidence, striking 23 off just 17 deliveries, while Tejashwini matched her intent with 22 off 17. However, once their partnership was broken, the lower order struggled against some fine bowling.
The tail collapsed quickly, Rimjhim Shukla (1), Rameshwari Gayakwad (9), and skipper Rajeshwari Gayakwad (8) failed to push the score much further. For Mysore, the bowling honours went to Pooja Kumari with an impressive 4/27, Vandita Rao’s economical 3/8 in 3.5 overs, and Sahana Pawar who chipped in with 2/27.
Chasing 108 for victory, Mysore Warriors began cautiously. Openers Shubha Satheesh (5 off 14) and Rachitha Hatwar (8 off 9) put on a 13-run stand before both were dismissed in quick succession. The real fightback came through the middle order as Yashika Gowda and Shishira Gowda combined to form the backbone of the chase.
Their 68-run partnership was a masterclass in patient batting, with Yashika scoring 33 off 39 balls and Shishira anchoring with 41 off 44. Just when Mysore seemed to be inching towards the target, Hubli’s bowlers turned the tide. The lower order crumbled under the mounting pressure, with wickets falling rapidly and runs drying up. In the end, Mysore Warriors could only manage 96/7 in their 20 overs, falling short by 11 runs.
Hubli’s bowlers held their nerve in the tense closing stages. Priya Chavan was the pick with 3/10, delivering crucial breakthroughs, while Monica Patel backed her earlier batting heroics with 2/21. Rameshwari Gayakwad provided valuable control, conceding just 16 runs in her 4 overs and picking up a key wicket.
As the final wicket fell, celebrations erupted among the Hubli Tigers Women. In a tournament that marked the beginning of a new chapter for women’s domestic cricket in the region.
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