Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Delhi made an impressive start to the Senior Women One Day Cricket Tournament with a comfortable 49 run win over Goa at the JSCA Oval Ground in Ranchi. A powerful batting performance laid the platform for Delhi before their bowlers ensured the advantage was not surrendered.
After opting to bat first, Delhi posted a challenging total of 283 for 3 in their allotted 50 overs. Openers Pragya Rawat and Priya Punia gave the team a dream start, stitching together a 152 run partnership that put Goa under early pressure. Punia played a composed and fluent innings to reach 102, striking ten boundaries during her 110 ball stay. Rawat provided excellent support with a well crafted 70 before being dismissed.
The momentum continued even after the first wicket fell. Shweta Sehrawat took charge in the middle overs and produced an unbeaten 76 from just 66 deliveries, finding the boundary seven times and clearing it on three occasions. Tanisha Singh added a brisk 27 to keep the run rate high, while Nazma remained unbeaten on 3 as Delhi finished strongly. For Goa, Poorva Bhaidkar, Harshita Yadav and Tejashwini Duragad managed one wicket each but struggled to contain the scoring.
Goa began the chase positively but were unable to build lasting partnerships. Opener Purvaja Verlekar fought bravely with an attacking 86 off 81 balls, decorated with 12 fours and three sixes. Shreya Parab contributed 36 and Tanisha Gaikwad scored 28, yet wickets kept falling at crucial moments. The side was eventually bowled out for 234 in 44 overs, falling short of the target.
Delhi bowlers maintained disciplined lines throughout the innings. Ayushi Soni and Priya Mishra led the attack with two wickets apiece, while Bharti Rawal delivered an economical spell and also claimed two important dismissals. Their collective effort ensured Goa never gained full control of the chase.
The victory gives Delhi a confident beginning to their campaign and valuable momentum for the matches ahead, while Goa will look to regroup and address the areas that cost them in the opening encounter.
