Patna: Bihar faced a tough defeat against Punjab in their opening match of the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy, losing by seven wickets. The match was held at the Air Force Complex Ground, New Delhi.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Bihar managed to score only 68 runs, losing all their wickets in 28 overs. Punjab comfortably chased the target, reaching 69 runs for the loss of three wickets in 17.3 overs. Punjab’s Mamta Rani was named Player of the Match for her exceptional bowling performance.
In Bihar’s batting lineup, only Apoorva Kumari and Yashita Singh displayed some resistance. Apoorva scored 15 runs off 37 balls, hitting two boundaries, while Yashita contributed 25 runs off 36 balls, also striking two fours. Other players struggled significantly, with five batters failing to open their accounts. Vishalakshi scored 8, Preeti 9, Arya Seth 4, while Captain Pragati Singh, Harshita, Apoorva, and Preeti Kumari were dismissed for ducks.
Punjab’s bowling was spearheaded by Mamta Rani, who claimed three wickets for 13 runs. Neetu Singh also impressed with three wickets for just two runs. Kanika Ahuja, Priya Kumari, and Mannat Kashyap shared the remaining wickets.
In response, Punjab’s top-order batters made quick work of the chase. Riddhima Agarwal scored 18, Avneet Kumar 13, Tania Sapna Bhatia 14, while Kanika Ahuja (14 not out) and Priya Rani (6 not out) ensured a smooth finish.
Bihar’s bowlers, Arya Seth and Preeti Kumari, showed some fight, taking two wickets for 16 runs and one wicket for 18 runs, respectively.
Bihar will look to regroup ahead of their next match against Haryana on 6 December.
