Pune witnessed an exciting clash between the MCA Blue and MCA Yellow teams in the first of three women’s exhibition matches. Despite persistent showers disrupting the game, MCA Blue emerged victorious, defeating MCA Yellow by 22 runs (DLS method) on 25th June 2023.
With the match initially reduced to 15 overs due to the weather conditions, MCA Yellow won the toss and elected to bowl first. The crowd, although limited, eagerly anticipated the performance of Indian international Smriti Mandhana. However, to their dismay, she could only manage 1 run off 3 balls before being dismissed.
Nonetheless, Shivali Shinde took charge, playing a vital knock of 35* runs from 28 deliveries, including 5 boundaries, and was ably supported by Hrutuja Deshmukh, who contributed 23 runs off 21 balls with 2 fours. Their 56-run partnership for the second wicket helped MCA Blue reach 57 for 1 in 7.3 overs before rain interrupted play once again.
Following the delay, the game was further shortened to 9 overs. MCA Blue managed to post a total of 66 for 3. However, due to the Duckworth Lewis calculation, the target for MCA Yellow was revised to 77 runs in 9 overs.
In response, MCA Yellow faced an early setback as their skipper, Tejal Hasabnis, was bowled out by Priyanka Garkhede after scoring 10 runs. Unfortunately, MCA Yellow struggled to recover from the early blow and could only muster 54 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their allotted 9 overs.
The next exhibition match is scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, between MCA Yellow and MCA Red, promising more thrilling cricketing action.
Brief scores from the match: MCA Blue: 66 for 3 in 9 overs (Shivali Shinde 35*, Hrutuja Deshmukh 23; Mukta Magare 1-13, Chinmayee Borpale 1-18) MCA Yellow: 54 for 4 in 9 overs (Isha Ghule 19, Mukta Magare 16; Priyanka Garkhede 1-7, Maya Sonawane 1-8) Result: MCA Blue won by 22 runs (DLS method)
