Patna: Bihar began their Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy campaign with a disappointing performance, losing to Punjab by seven wickets in their first match at the Air Force Complex Ground, New Delhi.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, Bihar were bowled out for a meagre 68 runs in 28 overs. Punjab chased down the target with ease, scoring 69 runs for the loss of three wickets in just 17.3 overs. Mamta Rani of Punjab was adjudged Player of the Match for her stellar bowling display.
Bihar’s batting lineup faltered under pressure, with only Apoorva Kumari and Yashita Singh managing double-digit scores. Apoorva contributed 15 runs off 37 balls, including two boundaries, while Yashita top-scored with 25 runs off 36 deliveries, also hitting two fours. The rest of the batting order collapsed, with five players failing to score. Notable contributions included Vishalakshi (8) and Preeti (9), while Captain Pragati Singh, Harshita, Apoorva, and Preeti Kumari were all dismissed for ducks.
Punjab’s bowlers dominated the innings, led by Mamta Rani, who took three wickets for just 13 runs. Neetu Singh was equally lethal, picking up three wickets for only two runs. Kanika Ahuja, Priya Kumari, and Mannat Kashyap claimed one or two wickets each to wrap up the innings.
Punjab’s chase was a straightforward affair. Riddhima Agarwal scored 18, Tania Sapna Bhatia made 14, and Kanika Ahuja remained unbeaten on 14. Arya Seth was the standout bowler for Bihar, taking two wickets for 16 runs, while Preeti Kumari chipped in with one wicket for 18 runs.
Bihar will aim for a better performance in their next match against Haryana, scheduled for 6 December.
