The Senior Women’s Multi-Day Challenger Trophy clash between Team D and Team B at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Dehradun, witnessed an intense battle over three days.
After winning the toss, Team D opted to bat first, but their top order faltered under the disciplined bowling attack of Team B. However, a brilliant counter-attacking century from Kashvee Gautam (106* off 86 balls), supported by Raghvi Bist (45) and Amanjot Kaur (32), propelled Team D to a competitive total of 323 in 93.4 overs. Prema (3/78) and N Shree Charani (3/73) were the standout bowlers for Team B, ensuring that the target did not get out of reach.
Team B’s first innings turned into a nightmare as they struggled against the fiery spells of Sneh Rana (5/47) and Vaishnavi Sharma (5/49). Barring Ayushi Soni, who remained unbeaten on 48, none of the batters could put up significant resistance. They were eventually bowled out for a mere 160 in 57 overs, conceding a massive 163-run lead. With such a commanding position, Team D enforced the follow-on, putting Team B under immense pressure to survive.
Day 2 saw a spirited comeback from Team B as their batters showed resilience. Pratika (74) and Yastika Bhatia (69) stitched together a crucial 131-run partnership, taking Team B to 178/2 by stumps. This effort reduced Team D’s lead to just 15 runs, setting up an intriguing final day.
On Day 3, Team B resumed their innings with hopes of setting a competitive target, but Team D’s bowlers, led by Sneh Rana (3/90) and Vaishnavi Sharma (3/124), continued to apply pressure. Despite the early challenges, Harleen Deol (64 off 132) and Ayushi Soni (113* off 208) held firm, stitching together a 143-run partnership off 266 balls, which stabilized Team B’s innings.
However, wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing them from gaining full control. The lower order provided a late flourish, with Mita Paul (14 off 31) and N Shree Charani (26 off 11) adding a brisk 31 off 19 balls. Eventually, Team B declared at 406, setting a target of 243 for Team D.
Chasing 243, Team D adopted a cautious approach. Gongadi Trisha played a steady innings, remaining unbeaten on 28 off 68 balls, while Nandini Kashyap (11) provided early support before her dismissal. Despite a few minor setbacks, Team D remained in control, reaching 47/1 in 21 overs at the close of play. Team B’s bowlers, led by Prema (1/12), toiled hard. As a result, the match ended in a draw, with both teams showing resilience in different phases of the game.
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