As the sun sets on the 5th edition of the KCA TCM Pink T20 Challengers Trophy, we are going to have a look at how things unfolded in the grand finale between Team Emerald and Team Pearl in the recently concluded edition of the tournament.
Emerald, led by skipper Najla Noushad, and Pearl led by skipper Thayyil Shani, were clearly the two best sides in the recently concluded edition of the tournament, as they claimed the top two spots in the league stages, fetching 12 points from 8 games and 10 points from 8 games, courtesy of their remarkable consistency. As a result of their top two finish, they booked their spots in the grand finale of the season.
Niya Nazneen and Mrudula guide Pearl to a title triumph in a low-scoring thriller
Pearl skipper Thayyil Shani won the toss and opted to bat first at the St Xavier’s College Ground, Thumba, in a highly anticipated final. Decent partnerships throughout the innings took them to a respectable total, before getting bundled out for 81 in their quota of 20 overs. The 19-run 4th wicket partnership between Keerthi James and Niya Nazneen was the highest partnership of the innings for Pearl.
Niya Nazneen (17 off 31 balls) and Mrudula V S (16 off 16 balls) were the top performers with the bat for Pearl. Emerald skipper Najla Noushad (4-0-14-3) led from the front with the ball for her side. Aleena M P (3-1-5-2) and Niyati R Mahesh (4-1-8-1) were sensational in their respective spells.
Chasing a target of 82, Emeralds were bundled out for 71, falling 10 runs short of the target with 15 balls to spare, courtesy of an outstanding display from the Pearl bowling unit. The 28-run partnership for the 2nd wicket between Nithya Loordh (16 off 22 balls) and the wicket-keeper batter Vyshna MP (14 off 18 balls) was the highest partnership of the run chase. Anushka C V (15 off 15 balls) chipped in with a vital contribution with the bat for her side.
Pearl skipper Thayyil Shani (4-1-15-3) led from the front with the ball for her side, while Mrudula V S (4-0-11-2), Niya Nazneen (4-1-16-2), and Keerthi James (3.3-0-15-2) picked up a couple of wickets each with the ball for their side.
Loves all things female cricket