On the fourth day of the inaugural Maharani Cup, organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association, match number 7 was scheduled for the morning of August 7 between Bengaluru Blasters Women and Hubli Tigers Women at the KSCA Cricket Ground in Alur. However, the match was abandoned due to heavy rain. As a result, both teams shared points.
Hubli Tigers Women continue to lead the points table with 10 points, while Bengaluru Blasters Women, with 4 points, have now dropped to fifth place after Mysore Warriors’ win against Mangaluru Dragons.
The second match of the day was scheduled between Mangaluru Dragons Women and Mysore Warriors Women at the KSCA Cricket Ground in Alur. Rain interrupted proceedings, reducing the match to 11 overs per side.
Batting first, Mangaluru Dragons got off to a flying start with 13 runs from the first two deliveries. However, fast bowler Ahlam Syed struck immediately, dismissing opener Liyanka Shetty on the third ball of the innings.
In the very next over, left-arm spinner Sahana Pawar removed Dragons’ captain Prathyoosha Kumar for just 1. Syed returned in her second consecutive over to trap Karnika Karthick lbw, leaving the Dragons reeling early.
Despite the rocky start, first-down batter Prerna Rajesh and Saloni P steadied the innings, adding 19 runs together. Their partnership was broken when Saloni was caught by Shishira Gowda off Vandita Rao’s bowling for 12.
A late surge by Inchara CU, who smashed a quickfire 37, and a composed 29 from Prerna Rajesh helped Mangaluru Dragons post a competitive total of 97 in their allotted 11 overs. Sahana Pawar and Ahlam Syed were the standout bowlers, picking up two wickets each, while Vandita Rao chipped in with one wicket.
India Test player Shubha Satheesh and wicket-keeper Rachitha Hatwar opened the innings for Mysore Warriors Women. Satheesh led from the front with a fluent 47 and put together a solid 85-run partnership in just 55 deliveries with Hatwar before she was dismissed by off-spinner Saloni P.
The Warriors then faced a brief setback, losing two wickets in two balls, as Shishira Gowda, who came in at number three, was run out without scoring. Despite the stumble, Hatwar remained composed at the crease, finishing unbeaten on 39 off just 24 balls.
She was supported by Yashika Gowda, who contributed 11 runs and struck the winning runs to seal a comfortable victory for the Mysore Warriors.
Rachitha Hatwar was adjudged Player of the Match for her unbeaten 39-run innings.
With this win, the Mysore Warriors earned 4 points and climbed to the second spot on the points table. Meanwhile, the Mangaluru Dragons moved up to fourth place, replacing the Bengaluru Blasters, who dropped to the bottom of the table.
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