1. Challuru Pratyusha
The Karnataka girl played her 2nd Challenger Trophy tournament representing India Blue team. Rested in the opening match against India Green, she got to play in the 3rd and last group stage match against India Green. Although she got only one wicket in that match, but her tight bowling and impressive economy rate secured her place in the final of the tournament.
It would not be wrong to say that C. Pratyusha accepted this opportunity with both hands and produced a brilliant performance by claiming four (4) wickets and conceding just 23 runs in 6.2 overs to become the highest wicket taker of the match. Also, she became the 2nd highest wicket taker (5 wickets in 2 matches with economy rate of 3.67) of the tournament, only after Anuja Patil who claimed 7 wickets in 3 Matches.
2. S. Asha
Her full name is Sorhana Asha. Banging on in the most important match (final) of the opportunity (selection in Challenger Trophy), this youngster took three (3) wickets in her alloted 10 overs giving away just 29 overs. With this performance, she became the highest wicket taker for India Green in the final and 5th highest wicket taker overall (her economy rate being better than Anuja Patil, the highest wicket taker).
What is most important to note is that she has made her presence felt and earned the confidence of her skipper who allowed her to bowl the maximum alloted 10 overs.
3. Jemimah Rodrigues
The 17 year old young all-rounder is doing absolute wonders in such an early stage of her cricketing career. Representing India Green team, paired up with Punam Raut to open the batting for her team; this girl played such confident and watchfully delightful shots in her innings that everyone from on-field players to commentators applauded her talent.
Apart from hitting technically correct boundaries, her brisk and intelligent running between the wickets along with Raut got the much deserved appreciation. Jemimah scored two half centuries in three matches and was 3rd highest run scorer of the tournament.
Immediately after the conclusion of the Challengers Trophy, she got selected in the national team of India Women which is going to tour South Africa for an ODI series.
Fixtures of India vs South Africa : Click here
4. Pooja Vastrakar
Playing her 1st Challengers Trophy tournament, Pooja got the chance in the very first match against India Red and opened up the pace attack for India Blue with Soni Yadav. While on one hand, Yadav was being hit for big shots by the opposition team, Pooja was able to keep the batters quite and bowled an excellent spell from the other end.
Although she was not rewarded much for her excellent bowling in terms of wickets but selectors had surely recognized her skill and capabilities, as a result of which the 18-year old got a call to represent India Women in South Africa in the upcoming ODI series.
5. Radha Yadav
One of those bowlers who were getting the benefit of the pitches was Radha Yadav. With her brilliant bowling action, she was able to produce some absolute beauties and trouble the batters all the time. She took two wickets in the opening match against India Red and then took three wickets in the last group stage match against India Green.
Overall, Yadav became the 3rd highest wicket taker of the tournament (five wickets) with an economy rate of 3.85 runs per over.
‘Gully’ cricket player and close observer of Indian Cricket team and it’s matches. Straight forward and still socially admirable personality. Strong belief in teamwork and possess high leadership skills.
