Vidarbha women defeated Himachal Pradesh by 25 runs to record their straight third victory in the Women’s Senior One-DayCricket tournament at the VB Nest Ground in Chennai on Wednesday.
With this victory Vidarbha have completed a hat-trick of wins and stay at the top with 12 points to their credit.
Vidarbha defended the small total of 165 for 9 quite superbly by bundling out Himachal for a paltry score of 140 in 45.3 overs.
Earlier, inform batswoman Bharti Fulmali slammed third successive fifty to help Vidarbha score 165 for 9 after Vidarbha winning the toss and electing to bat.
Vidarbha had bad start as they lost the first wicket without opening their account on the fourth ball of the match. Shweta Naidu was unlucky to be run out without facing a ball.
Another opener opener Vaishnavi Khandkar (14: 30b, 2×4) and Bharti Fulmali added crucial 38 runs for the second wicket . After Vaishnavi returning to the pavilion, Vidarbha lost five wickets for the addition of just 10 runs.
Tottering at 48 for 5, Bharti along with Ankita Bhongade (29: 61b, 3×4) stood first and made vital partnership of 50 runs for the sixth wicket.
Bharti continued her brilliant batting and completed the third consecutive half-century in as many matches in the tournament.
Bharti scored 67 while facing 123 balls and hammered seven fours and a six during her fighting innings. After the departure of Ankita, Bharti with the help of tail-ender Nupur Kohale (24: 33b, 2×4) continued to build the innings.
Reena Paul, who remained unbeaten on 15, and captain Komal Zanzad (6 not out) helped Vidarbha reach a respectable total.
Chasing a modest target, Himachal were cruising along with 104 for the loss of 3 wickets. But Vidarbha bowlers did not lose the focus as they captured last seven Himachal wickets for the addition of just 36 runs in dramatic fashion.
Three of the top-4 Himachal batswomen — Tanuja Kanwer (30), Kashish Verma (28) and SM Singh (27) — batted well and provided a sedate start to their team.
