Surat: Odisha’s dream run in the BCCI Senior Women’s T20 Trophy ended on Monday as they met their match in defending champions Railways and lost by 35 runs in the semifinal encounter.
Odisha had won all five Elite Group B matches and then overcame fancied Haryana in the quarterfinal.
Opting to bat first at Lalbha Contractor Stadium, Railways meant business from the word go. The opening-wicket pair of S Meghana and Nuzhat Parween batted together for more than 17 of the 20 overs to put on 131 runs at nearly 8 runs an over.
By the time Priyanka Pariyadarshini dismissed Meghana for a brilliant 84 off 63 balls (9 fours, 1 six) and Parween was run out for 55, Railways were on top as they eventually put up a formidable 159/2 on the board.
Odisha began on a spirited note, with prolific openers Madhuri Meheta (35 off 25 balls) and Kajal Jena (24 off 18) racing to 60 in 6.5 overs. But once Madhuri and Kajal fell in quick succession, Odisha slowed down and lost the plot.
Sushree Dibyadarshini (29) and Sarita Meher (16) tried their best, but the asking rate kept climbing. Odisha reached 124/7 when the overs ran out.
Railways, the most successful team in the tournament with 9 titles, will face Maharashtra in the final on May 4.
Scores: Railways 159/2 in 20 overs. Odisha 124/7 in 20 overs.
Result: Railways won by 35 runs.
Final: Railways vs Maharashtra (May 4).
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