Delhi Women scripted history at the IS Bindra Cricket Stadium in Mohali, clinching their second Senior Women’s One Day Trophy Elite title with a commanding 7-wicket victory over defending champions Railways in the 2025-26 final.
After 14 long years without silverware since their 2011/12 win, Delhi bowled out Railways for a mere 133 in 44.2 overs at a sluggish 3.0 runs per over, then chased the target in just 28.3 overs, scoring at 4.7 runs per over with 129 balls to spare. This clinical performance not only toppled the giants but sparked massive celebrations, as DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma beamed with pride, crediting the win to years of grassroots investment and a maturing talent pipeline.
The foundation was Delhi’s relentless bowling attack, which stifled Railways’ famed batting depth from the outset. Openers Priya Punia (76 off 90 balls) and Pragya Rawat (46 off 56) then blazed to 74/0 in 14 overs, racing ahead with ruthless intent. Despite a gritty spell from Railways’ veteran leg-spinner Poonam Yadav (2/29), Delhi finished at 134/3, becoming only the second team after Railways to win the trophy multiple times.
Speaking to IANS at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, a jubilant Sharma reflected on ending the drought. “Look, we are very happy. It’s been many years since we have had this happy occasion in Delhi. Our girls have made us proud in the whole of India,” he said. He traced the roots to last year’s U23 T20 triumph and runners-up finish prior, noting how those same players stepped up.
“The base for this was laid last year because last year we were U23 (T20) champions. Before that, we were U23 runners-up. So those same girls have come in the third year and made us national champions. It’s a very happy thing because the women’s cricket team will help build a great reputation and bright future outlook for DDCA.”
Sharma spotlighted DDCA President Rohan Jaitley’s visionary roadmap, including a massive 42-team girls’ league launched last year and matching BCCI’s cash prizes. “In the coming time, we will see even better cricketers here. We started the preparation for the girls’ team last year through a tournament with 42 teams. It was DDCA President Rohan Jaitley’s roadmap to start the girls’ league that was a big help in this. Plus, Rohan Jaitley announced that the cash prize that the BCCI will give, DDCA will also give the same amount.”
He praised the consistent talent flow from Delhi to national squads and lauded individual senior performances amid mixed team results. “All these girls are the ones who have been performing in Delhi for the last three years, and the motivation was always there since the start. Delhi has always been in the national team in any form, be it in the form of bowlers or batters. Delhi’s representation has always been there in the BCCI tournaments. Our combined team’s performance among the boys was not so good. The team wins because of the combined effects, and the girls have done that. They have been good for the last three years.”
Sharma reserved special thanks for head coach Deepti Dhyani and assistants Gautam Vadhera (batting), Ashish Malhotra (bowling), and Mandeep Kaur (fielding), who elevated the U23 champions to senior stardom. “I want to give the biggest credit to the coach. When he was in the U23, he made them champions. Today, he promoted them to winning the senior one-day trophy. I want to thank the coaching staff who have been working hard for the last three years. The result of that hard work has come out today. It is a happy atmosphere in the DDCA, as the trophy has come after so many years and the women have raised our honour.”
This victory signals a golden era for Delhi women’s cricket, blending youth, strategy, and sustained backing to challenge Railways’ dominance.
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