In a Senior Women’s Trophy match on Monday, the Bengal team broke the record for the highest successful run-chase in List-A women’s cricket.
The team successfully chased down a target of 390 against Haryana in Rajkot, which broke the previous record in the name of Northern Districts, who chased 309 runs against Canterbury during the 2019 domestic season in New Zealand.
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The highest chase in women’s international cricket is 305 runs, achieved by Sri Lanka against South Africa earlier this year.
‘Player of the Match’ Tanusree Sarkar was the chief architect of the victory with her outstanding innings of 113 from 83 deliveries, which featured 20 boundaries. The win ensured Bengal’s place in the semifinals of the tournament.
After being sent in to bat, Haryana put up an impressive 389/5, with international star Shafali Verma leading the charge through her outstanding 197 from 115 balls. The previous highest total batting first in women’s List-A cricket in India was 356 for 4, made by Railways against Chandigarh in 2021.
Having been left out of India’s limited-overs squads, Verma showcased her abilities by striking 22 four and 11 sixes. This performance followed her earlier century, 139 from 98 deliveries, against Uttar Pradesh.
Verma found excellent support from Reema Sisodia, as they built a 173-run opening stand, with Sisodia contributing 58 runs. Triveni Vasistha and Sonia Mendhiya scored 46 and 61 respectively.
Sarkar made significant contributions in both the departments, claiming 3/56 with her medium pace before following it up with a match-winning century. She took the wickets of Sisodia, Yadav and Vasistha.
In response, Bengal started brilliantly as openers Dhara Gujjar and Sasthi Mondal raced to 100 runs within nine overs. Gujjar struck 69 from 49 deliveries, whilst Mondal scored 52 from 29 balls, before Sarkar took over.
The successful chase was completed by wicketkeeper Priyanka Bala’s undefeated 88 from 81 deliveries, supported by Prativa Rana’s 28 from 26 balls, ensuring Bengal’s memorable victory.
