Lucknow Shernies Become Champions of the inaugural season of the Lucknow Women’s Premier League, Ayushi Srivastava’s excellent batting and Saanvi Bhatia’s fine bowling played a crucial role

Lucknow: Lucknow Shernies produced a disciplined bowling performance in the final overs to defeat SAGE Falcons by 7 runs and lift the glittering trophy of the inaugural Lucknow Women’s Premier League. Chasing a target of 115, SAGE Falcons finished at 107 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. On Monday a large crowd gathered at the SAGE Ground, located at the Gomti Riverfront  to witness the much-anticipated title clash of this season. SAGE Falcons made a confident start to their chase, keeping their hopes of victory alive for much of the innings. Arzoo Singh was the key batter for the Falcons, scoring 40 runs from 42 balls, including five fours and a six. However, her dismissal put the Falcons under increasing pressure. Sonali Singh remained unbeaten on 30. Archana Yadav, a member of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning team, also struck some impressive shots but was dismissed for nine. Lucknow Shernies’ Sanvi Bhatia then took control of the closing stages, claiming the crucial wickets of Archana, Shraddha and Nidhi to ensure that the Falcons could not complete the chase.

Earlier, SAGE Falcons won the toss and elected to bowl. Lucknow Shernies posted 114 for six in 20 overs, the highest team total of the tournament. The Shernies did not have an ideal start. Opener Anshu Tiwari retired hurt after scoring nine, while Vagisha Singh was dismissed for four with the team score on 21. Sanvi Bhatia then fell for 10 when the total reached 33. From there, Ayushi Srivastava and Katyani Pathak launched a remarkable counterattack. The pair took the Falcons’ bowlers on and added 89 runs for the third wicket, lifting the score from 33 to 113.

Katyani was eventually caught by Tashu off Archana Yadav for 31 from 29 balls, with two fours and two sixes. Ayushi remained unbeaten and completed a superb 57 off 36 balls, including eight fours. It was her highest individual score of the tournament.

Archana Yadav was the standout bowler for SAGE Falcons, taking four wickets. Nidhi Singh claimed one wicket.

Sports Minister Presents Awards

After the final, Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav presented the awards to the players and teams. CAL President Dr. Navneet Sehgal, Secretary K.M. Khan, League Commissioner S.P. Mishra, Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Shaili and League President Piyush Pandey were also present.

Two Players Adopted for further Training

In a significant initiative, Dr. Navneet Sehgal announced that a Mumbai-based industrial house would adopt SAGE Falcons batter Arzoo Singh and bowler Priyanshi Yadav. The company will bear the expenses associated with their training.

Brief Scores

Lucknow Shernies: 114/6 in 20 overs
Ayushi Srivastava 57*, Katyani Pathak 31, Sanvi Bhatia 10; Archana Yadav 4 wickets, Nidhi Singh 1 wicket.

SAGE Falcons: 107/7 in 20 overs
Arzoo Singh 40, Sonali Singh 30, Shargun 10, Archana Yadav 9; Sanvi Bhatia 3/19, Sandhya, Katyani Pathak and Anshu Tiwari 1 wicket each.

Awards

• Player of the Match: Ayushi Srivastava (Lucknow Shernies)
• Player of the League: Katyani Pathak (Lucknow Shernies)
• Best Bowler: Priyanshi Yadav (REPL Challengers)
• Best Batter: Arzoo Singh (SAGE Falcons) — 3 matches
• Best Catch: Payal Chaurasia (REPL Challengers)