Trailblazers defended a modest 118 with a brilliant bowling display to topple two-time champions Supernovas by 16 runs and win their maiden Women’s T20 Challenge on Monday.
The summit clash turned out to be a low-scoring affair on a slow surface. Barring Trailblazers’ captain, Smriti Mandhana (68 off 49 balls), the batswomen from either side struggled to get going.
In response to Trailblazers’ 118/8, Supernovas could only manage 102/7. Trailblazers’ Bangladesh star Salma Khatun (3/18) eclipsed Supernovas’ Radha Yadav (5/16), who was adjudged Player of the Series, to fashion a comprehensive win for her team.
Nonetheless, it was a welcome return to the field for Indian players who were out of action since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Supernovas found it tough from the word go. After their spinners did well to restrict Trailblazers to a modest total, Supernovas were at the receiving end with left-arm spinners Sophie Ecclestone (1/26) and Rajeshwari Gayakwad keeping things tight.
Ecclestone trapped Chamari Atapattu (6) in front in her first over for a crucial breakthrough before offie Deepti Sharma (2/9) had Taniya Bhatia (14) caught at mid-wicket to leave Supernovas struggling at 30/2 in 7 overs.
The partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues (13) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (30 off 36) looked promising until the former was sent back. Supernovas were not able to break the shackles, leaving them to get 44 off the last five overs. Harmanpreet was also struggling with her fitness during her innings, which was eventually ended by Salma, sealing the game for her team.
Harmanpreet admitted that “it wasn’t that tough a total to chase, but we didn’t get any partnerships.”
Earlier, Mandhana’s cover drives were as delightful as her three straight sixes and it seemed she was batting on a different surface. “It was amazing to get to the nets with the overseas players and our youngsters. It was good to get some knowledge and exchange notes. For the youngsters, getting to hear from a Dottin is a headstart before you even make it to the national team,” Mandhana, summing up the experience, said at the post-match presentation.
Brief scores: Trailblazers 118/8 in 20 overs (S. Mandhana 68; R. Yadav 5/16). Supernovas 102/7 in 20 overs (H. Kaur 30; S. Khatun 3/18). Trailblazers won by 16 runs.
