Bengal Women’s Pro T20 League: Day 1: Report
After the launch of India’s first-ever women’s franchise league in March 2023, coined as the Women’s Premier League (WPL). There have been a couple of editions so far, The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians (MI) were crowned as the Inaugural champions by defeating the Delhi Capitals led by skipper Meg Lanning in the final. Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) clinched the 2nd edition by defeating the Meg Lanning-led Delhi Capitals in the final.
Each and every edition of the tournament has played as a catalyst in revolutionizing the women’s game all over the world and particularly in India. We will now witness the inception of a state-based franchise league in Bengal, coined as the Bengal Women’s Pro T20 League.
A total of eight women’s teams namely, Harbour Diamonds, Murshidabad Kueens, Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers, Sobisco Smashers, Malda, Rashmi Medinipur Wizards, Adamas Howrah Warriors, Shrachi Rarh Tigers, and Servotec Silliguri Strikers will participate in the tournament.
Match 1: 12th June 2024: Servotec Silliguri Strikers Vs Harbour Diamonds.
Payel Vakharia, Jhumia Khatun, and Sansthita Biswas combine to give Harbour Diamonds a winning start.
Servotec Silliguri Strikers were up against Harbour Diamonds in the tournament opener. Harbour Diamonds skipper Sukanya Parida won the toss and opted to field first. After being inserted to bat first, Servotec Silliguri Strikers were restricted to 95/5 in their quota of overs. The 32-run 3rd wicket partnership between wicket-keeper batter Muskan Sinha and skipper Priyanka Bala was the highest partnership of the innings.
Chandrima Ghosal (24 off 22 balls), and skipper Priyanka Bala (23 off 13 balls) were the top performers with the bat for Servotec Silliguri Strikers. Skipper Sukanya Parida (4-1-7-0), Payel Vakhariya (3-0-12-3), and Riya Das (3-0-15-2) were the top performers with the ball for Harbour Diamonds.
Chasing a target of 96, the Harbour Diamonds openers wicket-keeper batter Sansthita Biswas and Sanchita Adhikary almost killed the run chase with a 70-run opening stand before wicket-keeper batter Sansthita Biswas retired hurt in the 12th over of the run chase. Harbour Diamonds eventually got over the line with eight wickets in hand and 19 balls to spare.
Match 2: 12th June 2024: Shrachi Rarh Tigers Vs Murshidabad Kueens.
Shrayosi Aich and Sandipta Patra steal the show as Murshidabad Kueens seal a comfortable victory.
Shrachi Rarh Tigers led by skipper Ankita Chakraborty were all set to face Murshidabad Kueens led by skipper Prativa Rana in the 2nd match of the season. Shrachi Rarh Tigers skipper Ankita Chakraborty won the toss and opted to bat first. Shrachi Rarh Tigers were restricted to 84/9 in their quota of overs. The 26-run 2nd wicket partnership between wicket-keeper batter Parna Paul and skipper Ankita Chakraborty was the highest partnership of the innings. Skipper Ankita Chakraborty (26 off 24 balls), and wicket-keeper batter Parna Paul (19 off 23 balls) were the top performers with the bat for Shrachi Rarh Tigers.
Shrayosi Aich (4-0-16-3), and Sneha Gupta (4-0-20-2) were the top performers with the ball for Murshidabad Kueens. Chasing a target of 85, Murshidabad Kueens got off to a poor start losing the wicket of their opening batter Priyanka Prasad on the first ball of the run chase. Murshidabad Kueens eventually got over the line with eight wickets in hand and two overs to spare. Sandipta Patra (44 off 64 balls), and Priyanka Sarkar (17 off 21 balls) were the top performers with the bat for Murshidabad Kueens. Chandrima Biswas (3-0-11-1), and Mamani Roy (3-0-11-1) were the top performers with the ball for Shrachi Rarh Tigers.