Live Scores

cricket Live Scores & Fixtures

Byju's Bengal Women's T20 Blast: A Limelight and hope for the unknowns

Byju's Bengal Women's T20 Blast will start from 7th February 2022. All the matches will be telecasted LIVE on Fan Code App.

Feb 3, 2022, 1:12 PM6 min read

Cricket is a religion in India. However, the limelight has been on the men's game from the start. Women's cricket never got the limelight that it deserved. Although, with BCCI trying to promote women's cricket, it is high time we track young talents from districts and villages to find the best in India. The Cricket Association of Bengal has just done that. The newly announced Byju's Bengal Women's T20 Blast will give the limelight to all the unknown faces of female cricket in Bengal. The tournament is scheduled to start on the 7th of February, 2022.

Read Also: 5 longest winning streaks in women's cricket

The Cricket Association of Bengal has already arranged two seasons of the Bengal T20 Challenge for the men's cricketers. Now, they have given a chance to the girls from Bengal to showcase their talent on the bigger stage. The tournament will have six teams from the Kolkata Maidan. East Bengal, Kalighat, Aryan, Mohammedan Sporting, Town Club and Rajasthan Club are the teams to participate in the tournament. 90 players were drafted in six teams on Wednesday.

CAB President Avishek Dalmiya's take on the tournament

CAB President Avishek Dalmiya delivered the inaugural speech. Along with him CAB Jt secy Debabrata Das, Tour, Fixture & Technical committee chairman Subhankar Ghosh Dastidar, Players' benevolent and benefit fund committee chairman Santanu Mitra, Women's National selector Mithu Mukherjee, Women's cricket committee chairman Shyama Dey (Shaw), Women's Selection Committee chairman Chandana Mukherjee and BCCI match referee Moumita Chakraborty were present on the dias.

"We are very happy to resume our local tournaments, which were stalled because of the recent Covid19 surge. We have been contemplating over the last few years that club cricket in the women's segment must begin. We tried to start this tournament last season but due to Covid we had to cancel at the last moment. We are extremely happy to start the tournament this year. It's not going to be a one-off tournament and we will be working keenly to make it better with each passing year.

CAB President Avishek Dalmiya via CAB Media

Read Also: Indian Women's cricket: Most Runs in Test Cricket

Md. Nasim, a representative from Mohammedan Sporting Club said, "This is a great initiative by the CAB. The girls from various parts of Bengal will get a chance to showcase their game. This will strengthen the Bengal cricket as well." Meanwhile, they are also planning to give extra incentives to players if they do well in the tournament. "Our secretary, Mr Deepak Kumar Singh has already given his words to provide extra incentives to all the players if we do well in the tournament", he added.

Byju's Bengal Women's T20 Blast: A Limelight and hope for the unknowns | Mohammedan Sporting Club | Sportz Point
A clip from the drafting round. Image Courtesy - CAB.

Byju's Bengal Women's T20 Blast will also see nearly half of the girls from outside Kolkata. Therefore, unseen talents from the outskirts of Bengal will have the spotlight on them for the first time. Abhijit Chaudhuri, head coach of Nadia District Women's Cricket team said, "We are thankful to CAB for taking such an initiative. The girls from our district have done very well in the last few years. This tournament will help young girls to knock the doors of the Bengal team if they do well."

Read Also: Smriti Mandhana: 'It was amazing to watch our bowlers dominate Australia'

Jhumia Khatun, a Senior Women's cricketer from Bengal said, "Earlier we used to get very less matches to prepare for the bigger stages. This will give us to matches to prepare for the upcoming T20 Board matches." Meanwhile, Jhumia believes that with a great combination of juniors and senior cricketers in the team, they have a great chance to perform well in the tournament. "I will be focusing on playing till the last ball of the match as a batter to ensure a win for my team," she added. Jhumia will be playing for Aryan Club in the tournament.

Just like the major leagues in the world, Byju's Bengal Women's T20 Blast will give a chance to young players to share the dressing room with bigger guns of cricket. Barnali Tamuli, a pacer who will don the East Bengal jersey thinks the same as well. "Sharing the dressing room with the seniors like Rumeli Dhar is something I am looking for." Moreover, she is also prepared to learn the art of swing from veteran all-rounder of Bengal Cricket. "None have a better wrist position than Rumeli di. I am very excited to learn from her", she added.

Read Also: Ashleigh Barty: How did cricket contribute to her win in the Australian Open 2022?

Meanwhile, Anamika Das drafted in Town Club as a wicket-keeper batter hopes to knock the doors of U25 team via this tournament. "I know I am the second wicket-keeper in the squad. However, I am hopeful I will have a chance to prove myself as a wicket-keeper batter in these 10 matches." Town Club also have senior Bengal wicket-keeper Parna Paul in the team as well. "I want to add value to my team and looking forward to contribute as much as possible," Anamika shared over a phone call to Sportz Point.

However, the eyes will be on the players who has not been in any Bengal squad recently. Sonali Mondal, a left-handed batter who stays nearly 100km away from Kolkata, hopes this tournament can change her career. "This is a great opportunity for upcoming players like us. I want to learn and grow as much as possible from this tournament." Sonali will be part of Rajasthan team which will be led by young sensation Dhara Gujjar.

Byju's Bengal Women's T20 Blast: Drafted players

Byju's Bengal Women's T20 Blast: All the Drafted players | Sportz Point
All the drafted players from Byju's Bengal Women's T20 Blast. List Courtesy - CAB

The most interesting part of the Byju's Bengal Women's T20 Blast is that every team has a female coach and a female mentor in every squad. This also suggest who much strength CAB has in their structure of Women's Cricket.

All the matches of the Byju's Bengal Women's T20 Blast will be telecasted live on Fan Code App. All the matches will be played at Bengal Cricket Ground, Kalyani.

Next Article

Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator LIVE Updates, Scores, News and Free Commentary: Mumbai Indians beats Gujarat Giants by 47 runs to enter its second WPL final

Catch the live updates, news, scores, and commentary of the Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants match today in the WPL 2025.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:33 PM1 min read

Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator LIVE Updates, Scores, News and Free Commentary: Gujarat Giants 48 needed off 6; GG 166/9

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants WPL 2025 Eliminator match in Mumbai at the Brabourne Stadium. 

This is Payal Debnath, with all the LIVE Updates for you from the web desk.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s Mumbai Indians have dominated this rivalry, boasting an unbeaten 6-0 record against Ashleigh Gardner’s Gujarat Giants across three seasons. They will aim to maintain their streak and knock Gujarat out of the tournament. 

While the Giants have shown significant improvement since last season, they must deliver when it matters most to keep their title hopes alive.

So, sit back and relax as we start the live coverage for you. keep refreshing the page for all the latest updates.

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.

LIVE Updates

Mar 13, 2025, 5:32 PM

GG all out for 166

Meghna holes out to Sciver-Brunt as Mumbai Indians beats Gujarat Giants by 47 runs to enter its second WPL final!

It will meet Delhi Capitals, a repeat of the WPL 2023 summit clash.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:30 PM

Matthews with the final over

Mar 13, 2025, 5:28 PM

MI just one wicket away

GG 166/9 in 19 overs.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:28 PM

Tanuja Kanwar departs

Kerr and Ismail combine two save a few runs but next ball, Tanuja holes out to Amanjot at point.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:26 PM

GG 163/7 in 18

Meghna hits it over the covers for a FOUR to end Kerr’s impressive spell of two for 28.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:24 PM

Simran departs

Simran went for the big shot but sends it straight up. Harmanpreet comes beneath it, after a bit of running, and takes the catch.

Kerr competing with Matthews for the Purple Cap there.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:22 PM

GG 157/7 in 17

A botched run out attempt and batters take a two.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:18 PM

Amanjot with the ball

Tanuja cheekily reverse-hits it past the short third for a FOUR! And another FOUR! Sanskriti chases after the ball but she’s not able to stop the ball from reaching the boundary.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:16 PM

70 needed off 25

Tanuja Kanwer in at the middle.

GG 145/7 in 16.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:13 PM

Bharti departs

A slow one, just above 70kmph, which rattles Bharti’s stumps as she tries to cut.

Bharti departs scoring 30. 

Mar 13, 2025, 5:08 PM

GG 134/6 in 15

Sciver-Brunt back. Sanskriti lets the ball slip from her hands after she was trying to throw it to a teammate.

And the ball goes for a FOUR! Simran with a powerful pull to find the boundary for a FOUR through square leg.

Simran ends the over with a SIX over mid wicket! Consolation runs now for GG.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:07 PM

GG 115/6 in 14

Kerr with her third over. Brilliant from the Kiwi leggie as she concedes just three runs from it.

Mar 13, 2025, 5:03 PM

Kashvee run out

Kashvee goes for the run but Bharti says no and that’s an easy run out for MI. 

GG 112/6 in 13.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:54 PM

Litchfield departs

Litchfield comes down the crease but misses the ball. Yastika is quick to stump the Australian out. Huge wicket for MI, huge loss for GG.

Kashvee Gautam the newest batter at the crease.

GG 107/5 in 12.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:52 PM

GG 100/4 in 11

Amanjot with the ball. LBW call on Bharti and Harmanpreet takes a review but it’s drifting down leg.

Next ball, she muscles the ball as it sails over long off for a SIX!

Mar 13, 2025, 4:46 PM

Gibson run out

Gibson falls short of her crease and gets run out! Amanjot, who was behind the throw at the striker’s end, has a small celebration.

GG 88/4 in 10. 

Mar 13, 2025, 4:40 PM

Ismail returns for her second spell

Litchfield uses the field well and smacks it over the mid off fielder for a FOUR! Misfield at fine leg as Litchfield swivels and pulls for another FOUR.

Gibson adds another FOUR in this over as she sends the ball to fine leg.

GG 79/3 in 9. 

Mar 13, 2025, 4:36 PM

GG 66/3 in 8

Amelia Kerr with her first over. FOUR! Litchfield uses her feet well and smacks a FOUR down the ground! And then she backs it up with a huge SIX! Good over for GG, a single for Litchfield to retain strike.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:29 PM

GG 54/3 in 7

Gibson swings and sends the ball over long on for a maximum. CLOSE! An inside edge there pinballed off Litchfield’s feet and almost castled her stumps.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:27 PM

Amanjot Kaur into the attack

A single and an lbw appeal so far in the over. Umpire not interested. A review shows an inside edge anyway.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:22 PM

GG 46/3 in 6

Compatriot Phoebe Litchfield replaces Gardner in the middle.

A little fumble there in the deep by Sajana but saves some runs for MI to end the PowerPlay.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:21 PM

Gardner departs

Gardner swings wildly and completely misses. The delivery removes the off stump bail to send the Australian back to the hut.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:19 PM

Harleen run out

Sciver-Brunt returns. SLAP! Tennis-esque smack by Gibson to find the boundary for a FOUR! W hat’s happened there!?

The batters look for a quick single but Sanskriti at point unleashes a sharp throw back at Yastika Bhatia who runs out Harleen. Another wicket lost for the chasing side.

GG 35/2 in 5.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:00 PM

Nat Sciver-Brunt with the ball

Great fielding at fine leg by Sanskriti Gupta who saves a couple of runs. Just four runs from it.

GG 15/1 in 2.

Mar 13, 2025, 4:00 PM

GG 11/1 in 1

Mar 13, 2025, 3:57 PM

Mooney departs

Danielle Gibson and Beth Mooney opening for GG. The openers have work cut out for them. Pace ace Shabnim Ismail with the ball. Cover drive by Mooney but good fielding by Sajana inside the circle.

Just two runs on that ball. FOUR! Mooney makes space for herself and slashes it over the point fielders for GG’s first boundary!

OUT! MOONEY GONE! A thick edge helps the ball fall kindly for Hayley Matthews at first slip. Early breakthrough for MI!

Mar 13, 2025, 3:36 PM

Harmanpreet run out

Harmanpreet on strike here. SIX! Stands and delivers! Launched over long off. SIX more! Opens the bat and powers this over deep cover fence. Wide and a single and it’s the new batter Sajana on strike.

They take a quick single and the skipper is back on strike. Last ball of the innings, OUT! Meghna can’t gather the ball but the ball gets off her wrist and into the stumps. 

MI 213/4 in 20 overs.

Mar 13, 2025, 3:29 PM

Nat Sciver departs

Gibson to bowl out. FOUR! NSB pulls it with ease to an empty deep square region. DROPPED! Gets a leading edge and skies it, Tanuja had plenty of time to track it but lets it go.

FOUR! Goes down the ground this time. OUT! Litchfield makes no mistake at deep midwicket and NSB has to go. 

MI 198/3 in 19.

Mar 13, 2025, 3:27 PM

MI 188/2 in 18

Tossed up wide and Harmanpreet gets a mighty swing at it over cover for SIX! FOUR! Sliced through point and backward point.

Roll it again but it’s a midfield that ends up costly again. FOUR! A single now and NSB on strike. Whipped away to deep midwicket for a run.

SIX! Harmanpreet with plenty of muscle on it, sails over deep midwicket. 

Mar 13, 2025, 3:19 PM

MI 166/2 in 17

Harmanpreet Kaur comes. Starts with a full delivery to the skipper. Off the mark on the second, a single to deep cover.

NSB gets down low and goes towards deep midwicket for a run. Close call! Could have been the game for Harmanpreet but Priya’s leap at short mid wicket fielder wasn’t enough to get the ball.

FOUR! Down the ground by NSB to end the over. 

Mar 13, 2025, 3:17 PM

Matthews departs

Kashvee to bowl out. OUT! GG FGETS THE BREAKTHROUGH! It’s a nick to Mooney behind the stumps that brings an end to her incredible knock. 

Mar 13, 2025, 3:11 PM

MI 159/1 in 16

Priya to Matthews, SIX! Skips down and launches it over long on. One more SIX! Well over deep extra cover. FOUR now! Between long on and deep midwicket. A single now and NSB on strike. Litchfield does well at deep midwicket fence to slide, dive and save two runs. 19 runs off the over. 

Mar 13, 2025, 3:07 PM

Catch dropped

NSB moves behind and lofts it short of the fielder in the deep. DROPPED! Gardner this time.

Matthews didn’t time it properly but Gardner running in from long on drops an easy one. A direct hit on the last ball was another missed chance.

MI 140/1 in 15.

Mar 13, 2025, 3:04 PM

50 for Nat Sciver

SIX! NSB brings up her fifty in style! Hammered over long on for a maximum.

SIX more! Goes bigger and the ball sails into the stands. 

Mar 13, 2025, 3:03 PM

Gibson returns

Gibson returns for her third over.

Mar 13, 2025, 3:02 PM

MI 124/1 in 14

Matthews edges it back into her pads. 6 runs off the over. 

Mar 13, 2025, 3:01 PM

Priya back

Down leg and easily put away by Matthews for FOUR! Stopped by the short third fielder, a single taken.

NSB slices it to point for one run. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:58 PM

MI 118/1 in 13

Bharti at extra cover does well to stop the ball again. NSB blocks it back to Meghna.

She had enough and that’s FOUR! Whacks it between long on and deep midwicket. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:57 PM

Meghns returns

NSB goes far across and tries to scoop it behind but cannot get a good connection. Off her pads.

A single to extra cover and Matthews on strike. Wide. Bharti at extra cover does well to stop the ball again. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:55 PM

MI 111/1 in 12

Kashvee returns. Up and over from NSB but fielder running from deep cover does well to save two.

FOUR! Misfields galore for GG! Simran couldn’t hold on to the ball again and it rolls away to the fence. Has to struggle to complete the double but NSB manages to get back.

A single and Matthews on strike now. A couple of singles to end the over. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:51 PM

Matthews gets to her fifty

Much tidier over this from the left-arm spinner. SIX! What a way to bring up her 50! Steps to the right and hammers it over deep mid wicket. 

MI 100/1 in 11.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:47 PM

Tanuja back

Fuller and on the stumps, NSB flicks it down to long on. Matthews pulls to deep square leg for a run. One more single. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:46 PM

Good start for Gujarat

NSB starts with a single through Matthews’ legs to long on. Matthews too flicks it to long on for a run

FOUR! NSB with a tidy reverse scoop that beats the wicketkeeper who tracked it well. Misfield and FOUR! The backward point fielder lets it through. But manages to stop the next one.

MI 89/1 in 10.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:42 PM

MI 78/1 in 9

They take a couple of singles and NSB is back on strike. Restricted to a single at deep midwicket area.

FOUR! Edged and runs away to third man ropes. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:40 PM

Meghna Singh into the attack

Meghna Singh into the attack. A single to begin with. FOUR! NSB gets a free boundary.

Fielder in the deep lets it slip through her hands and the ball rolls away to the fence. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:37 PM

MI 65/1 in 8

Priya Mishra handed the ball. FOUR! Googly to start but bowled short, Matthews finds the gap in the deep midwicket region.

FOUR more! Hangs on her bat foot, slices it past backward point to the fence. Tries to go fuller but bowls a full toss, Matthews puts it away to deep backward square leg.

Lithfield does well but ball rolls away to the fence. Two singles follow. Gets the length right and Matthews sticks to a single. 15 runs this over. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:33 PM

Back-to-back boundaries

Gibson to Matthews, FOUR! Going down leg and strikes Matthews’ thigh pads, rolls away past the short fine leg fielder to the fence. Four leg byes.

Bowling it wide enough to get Matthews to reach out for a swing at it and miss. Waits it out this time and finds a single on the on side.

FOUR for NSB! Down leg side, NSB picks the line and pulls between deep square leg and fine leg! FOUR more! Whacks it over mid on to end the over. 

MI 50/1 in 7.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:32 PM

MI 37/1 in 6

Tanuja continues. Darts back into NSB who edges it on to her pads. Works the next one to deep midwicket for a run.

Reaches forward to slog sweep but doesn’t connect completely, ball falls short of the deep square leg fielder.

Nudges it to the off side for a single. FOUR to end the over. NSB walked across the stumps and swept it behind to deep square fence. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:24 PM

MI 31/1 in 5

NSB off the mark with a strong single to deep square leg. FOUR! Matthews leans back and targets the deep mid-wicket area. 5 runs, 1 wicket - a good start for Gibson. 

Mar 13, 2025, 2:21 PM

Bhatia departs

Debutant Danielle Gibson into the attack. OUT! She strikes in her very second ball.

A shorter ball and Yastika tries to pull but Bharti Fulmali at short mid-wicket takes an easy catch.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:18 PM

Another 10-run over.

Tanuja Kanwer into the attack. FOUR! Tossed up on middle stump, Matthews waited patiently to flick it past mid-wicket.

Gets down and slog sweeps to deep mid wicket for a run. Yastike skips down but is hit on the pads.

Gets back in her crease in time. FOUR! Driven through an empty cover region. Another 10-run over. 

MI 26/0 in 4.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:14 PM

MI 16/0 in 3

Kashvee back, and FOUR! Yastika gets her reverse scoop right and the ball rolls safely to short third fence.

FOUR more! Short and wide, easy picking for Yastika who pierces the gap between point and backward point. Going around the wicket now.

Two dots to the left-hander now. Steps forward and drives it to deep cover for a run. A quick single to mid on and that’s 10 runs this over.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:11 PM

First boundary from Matthews

Skipper Ashleigh Gardner from the other end. FOUR! Plenty of width, Matthews uses the face of the bat to move the ball through point.

Mooney misses a big opportunity! Matthews nicked one behind but the ball bounced off the gloves. Just the boundary off the over. 

MI 6/0 in 2.

Mar 13, 2025, 2:05 PM

MI 2/0 in 1

Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia to open for MI. Kashvee Gautam with the new ball. Starts with a dot, ball staying low and swings away from Yastika. Cuts it to deep point and takes a single.

In-form Matthews on strike. Shapes it back into off stump, Matthews defends. Tucked into the deep square region for a run.

Yastika tried to go the reverse way but her attempt to scoop behind the keeper was to no yield. 2 runs. 

Mar 13, 2025, 1:45 PM

Mumbai Indians Playing XI

Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amanjot Kaur, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Sajeevan Sajana, G Kamalini, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque.

Mar 13, 2025, 1:44 PM

Gujarat Giants Playing XI

Beth Mooney (wk), Danielle Gibson, Harleen Deol, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Phoebe Litchfield, Kashvee Gautam, Bharti Fulmali, Simran Shaikh, Tanuja Kanwer, Meghna Singh, Priya Mishra.

Mar 13, 2025, 1:35 PM

Toss Update | Gujarat Giants wins the toss and elects to bowl

Gujarat Giants wins the toss and elects to bowl first.

Deandra Dottin has to sit out this Eliminator as Danielle Gibson steps in as a last moment change, skipper Ashleigh Gardner says at the toss.

One change for MI too. Parunika Sisodia out for Jintimani Kalita.

Mar 13, 2025, 10:46 AM

How to watch the match?

The live telecast of the Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants Eliminator match will be available on the Sports18 Network in India.

The live streaming will be available on the JioHostar App and website.

Mar 13, 2025, 10:44 AM

Match Details

  • Match: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants
  • Tournament: Women's Premier League 2025 - Eliminator
  • Date: 13 March 2025
  • Time: 7:30 pm IST
  • Venue: Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
Next Article

Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match No. 15 Report: Gujarat Giants register second highest victory in WPL to move to No.2

Gujarat Giants registered the second biggest win of WPL history to climb up to No. 2 in the points table.

Mar 3, 2025, 5:33 PM3 min read

Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match No. 15 Report: Gujarat Giants register second highest victory in WPL to move to No.2 | sportzpoint.com
Image | BCCI

Gujarat Giants registered a huge 81-run win over UP Warriorz for the second biggest win WPL history to move to No. 2 in the points table in WPL 2025. Beth Mooney equalled the record for second highest score in WPL while Tanuja Kanwar and Kashvee Gautam took three wickets each to give Gujarat Giants a huge NRR boost.

Here is everything you need to know from Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match No. 15 at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

101-run partnership from Deol and Mooney

Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match No. 15 Report: Gujarat Giants register second highest victory in WPL to move to No.2 | sportzpoint.com
Image | BCCI

Deepti Sharma won the toss and decided to field first and chase whatever Gujarat Giants put up on the board. Georgia Voll made ther WPL debut as UP handed here the debut cap. UP's plan worked well early as Chinelle Henry dismissed dangerous Dayalan Hemalatha for 2 in the first over. 

But post that first wicket, Beth Mooney and Harleen Deol put up an 101 run partnership to give Gujarat Giants a solid platform to score big in the first inning.

Harleen played a solid 32-ball 45 runs inning, finding the gap easily. However, as she was closing in a solid fifty, she was cleaned up by Sophie Ecclestone. Harleen tried to give her room, but could not adjust to the pace of Ecclestone.

Mooney missed her ton by a whisker

Beth Mooney scored the second highest score in WPL history, UPW vs GG, WPL 2025, 3rd February, 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Beth Mooney scored the second highest score in WPL history. Image | BCCI

However, Mooney kept to running hard and post completing her fifty changed her gear. Ashleigh Gardner did not look at her best (11) while Deandra Dottin smacked two boundaries and one six before getting out. 

Mooney though despite playing so well, could not become the first player to score a ton in Women’s Premier League history as she did not get that much of strike in the final few overs. With 17 boundaries, she was unbeaten on 96 from 59 balls as Gujarat Giants scored 186/5 in the first innings.

Horrible start for Gujarat 

Deandra Dottin shows Kiran Navgire where to go after dismissing her, UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants, WPL, Lucknow, March 3, 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Deandra Dottin shows Kiran Navgire where to go after dimissing her. Image | BCCI

During the chase, Gujarat’s batting order fell like a house of cards. Kiran, Navgire and Georgia Voll were sent back to the pavilion in the fast over by Deandra Dottin

Young pacer Kashvee Gautam then cleaned up Dinesh Vrinda’s stumps while Deepti Sharma edged one to Mooney off Meghna Singh in the fifth over. At 29/4 after powerplay, Gujarat Giants looked far from the target.

Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match No. 15 Report: Gujarat Giants register second highest victory in WPL to move to No.2 | sportzpoint.com
Image | BCCI

After the strikes from pace bowlers, Gujarat’s spinners continued the momentum. Shweta Sehrawat edged one up while trying to slog Ashleigh Gardner in the eighth over. 

Two overs later, Grace Harris, who was the only UP top-order batter to reach double figure mark, miscued a scoop shot against Tanuja Kanwar. After her dismissal, Giants were at 48/6 and only a miracle could have saved them.

Chinelle Henry tried to do that by hiting a few humongus sixes but she could only hit two of them before getting caught at the deep after 28 from 14 balls.

Sophie Ecclestone added 14 off 10 before they were bundled out for 105. With this win Gujarat Giants now have moved up to No. 2 in the points table. This is the first time this season they have managed to win back-to-back games as well.

Next Article

Last 10 winners of the Ranji Trophy

The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 has finally concluded with Vidarbha winning their third Ranji title defeating Kerala in the finals.

Mar 3, 2025, 1:36 PM2 min read

Last 10 winners of the Ranji Trophy

Ranji Trophy is an annual domestic first-class cricket competition organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and played between the country's state and regional cricket associations.

Last 10 winners of the Ranji Trophy | SportzPoint.com
Mumbai Ranji Team with the title
Image - mykhel

Also Read: Ranji Trophy winners since 1934-35 season

The premier domestic competition named after the first Indian cricketer, Ranjitsinhji, who was also known as 'Ranji', was launched in 1934-35 featuring 15 teams in four zones in a knockout format and has since expanded to a 32-team tournament in the league and knockout format.

The first-ever edition was won by Bombay now known as Mumbai, who have also won the Ranji title the most. Record champions Mumbai have won the Ranji Trophy 41 times so far. Mumbai has also reached the final 47 times.

Karnataka earlier played as Mysore is the second most successful team in the Ranji Trophy, having won the title 8 times and finished runners up 6 times followed by Delhi, who have won the title 7 times and finished as runners-up 8 times.

The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 has finally concluded with Vidarbha winning their third Ranji title defeating Kerala in the finals. Let's check out the last 10 winners of the Ranji title.

Read Also: Most Wickets in a Ranji Trophy Season

Last 10 winners of the Ranji Trophy

Season Winner Runner Up
2014–15 Karnataka Tamil Nadu
2015–16 Mumbai Saurashtra
2016–17 Gujarat Mumbai
2017–18 Vidarbha Delhi
2018–19 Vidarbha Saurashtra
2019–20 Saurashtra Bengal
2021–22 Madhya Pradesh Mumbai
2022–23 Saurashtra Bengal
2023–24 Mumbai Vidarbha
2024-25 Vidarbha Kerala

N.B: Last Updated on 03/03/2025.

Next Article

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match 9 LIVE Updates, Scores, News and Free Commentary: UPW beats RCB in the first super over in WPL history

Catch the live updates, news, scores, and commentary of the Royal Challengers Bangaluru vs UP Warriorz match today in the WPL 2025.

Feb 24, 2025, 6:00 PM1 min read

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match 9 LIVE Updates, Scores, News and Free Commentary: UPW beats RCB in the first super over in WPL history

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Royal Challengers Bangaluru vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match 9 in Bengaluru at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

This is Payal Debnath, with all the LIVE Updates for you from the web desk.

RCB, playing on their home turf, has had a solid start to the season, winning two out of their three matches. Their only loss came at the hands of Mumbai Indians, but they remain a strong contender. 

On the other hand, UP Warriorz are finding their rhythm after a shaky start. They registered their first win of the season in their previous game, cruising to a comfortable victory over the Delhi Capitals.

With RCB’s formidable squad and UP Warriorz gaining confidence, this clash is bound to offer plenty of excitement for the fans.

So, sit back and relax as we start the live coverage for you. keep refreshing the page for all the latest updates.

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.

LIVE Updates

Feb 24, 2025, 5:59 PM

UPW beats RCB

Just a single and UP Warriorz wins.

UPW beats RCB in the first super over in the WPL history.

RCB 4/0 in 1 over.

Feb 24, 2025, 5:56 PM

That’s 6 off one ball needed

Hard hit to long on and RCB now needs 7 runs to win off 2 balls. Another single and that’s 6 off one ball needed. 

Feb 24, 2025, 5:55 PM

Mandhana is saved

Starts with a dot, bowled on the stumps. Richa gets it too straight and crashes into the stumps but Ecclestone doesn’t get a hand on it.

Smriti on strike now. LBW given OUT! Smriti reviews in the last second but is saved. Impact is outside leg and she jogs back. 

Feb 24, 2025, 5:51 PM

Richa and Mandhana come to bat

Richa Ghosh and Smriti Mandhana is walking in to bat.

Sophie Ecclestone with the ball. 

Feb 24, 2025, 5:44 PM

UPW 8/1

Game-changer Sophie Ecclestone walks in. Dot ball. Garth nailing the wide yorkers. Wide and full, Ecclestone reaches out for it and musters another single. Grace Harris on strike. Another wide. 

Feb 24, 2025, 5:42 PM

Henry departs

Henry gets an outside edge and garth has gotten her out for the second time in this match. 

UPW 5/1

Feb 24, 2025, 5:40 PM

Four runs in three balls

Chinelle Henry whacks that high up but gets no distance.

Smriti does well to save two runs. Next one lands in no man’s land.

Tempting Henry with an outside off delivery but umpire calls it wide. RCB reviews it but in vain. 

Feb 24, 2025, 5:37 PM

Time for SUPER OVER

Chinelle Henry is padded up. So is Grace Harris. Both of them make their way to the centre with only one goal, GO BIG! 

Kim Garth with the ball. 

Feb 24, 2025, 5:30 PM

We are going to a super over

That’s a run out on the last ball! We are going to a super over. The first ever in WPL.

UPW 180/10 in 20 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 5:26 PM

Back-to-back sixes

Renuka starts with a crucial SIX over deep square leg! 

SIX more! Ecclestone not giving up without a fight! 

Feb 24, 2025, 5:24 PM

UPW need 18 runs in 6 balls

Kranti Goud is the last batter in. Gets an edge that runs away behind the keeper and gets two.

UPW 163/9 in 19 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 5:20 PM

Bisht returns

Saima and Ecclestone finding fielders in the deep. SIX! Saima has unleashed some unbelievable power to hammer this over the bowler.

Doesn’t time this one but lands in no man’s land. Cannot complete the second and OUT! 

Feb 24, 2025, 5:19 PM

Back-to-back sixes from Ecclestone

SIX! Ecclestone has gotten enough power under this to cross the backward square ropes.

One more SIX! Launches this straight over long-on to the stands. Three dots to end the over. Game isn’t over yet. 

UPW 152/8 in 18 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 5:16 PM

Six runs and a wicket off the over

Saima Thakor gets an edge to go for FOUR! Six runs and a wicket off the over. 

UPW 139/8 in 17 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 5:15 PM

Chinelle Henry departs

Garth to bowl out. OUT! Gets Chinelle Henry to chop one back on. That might be the much-needed wicket for RCB to get a grip on this match. 

Saima Thakor gets an edge to go for FOUR! 

Feb 24, 2025, 5:13 PM

UPW 133/7 in 16 overs

SIX! That’s gone a long way! Chinelle connects well and launches the ball over long on. Wareham now bowling to Ecclestone.

The Australian spinner does well to keep the big-hitter in control.

UPW 133/7 in 16 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 5:06 PM

56 runs needed off 30 balls

Feb 24, 2025, 5:04 PM

Ellyse Perry takes Shweta Sehrawat

Perry with the ball. OUT! Shweta falls soon after and UP is in big trouble. Fullish in the sixth stump channel and Shweta cannot get enough on it. 

Sohpie Ecclestone and Chinelle Henry are yet to get off the mark. 

Feb 24, 2025, 5:01 PM

Sneh returns with the ball

The batters running hard between the wickets. Finding all the gaps and finds the best one.

Shweta gets a FOUR! Swept over short third and runs away to the ropes.

Uma gets the time and power right but not the area. OUT! Sneh has her third. 

UPW 123/6 in 14 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 4:54 PM

Warriorz maintaining a healthy run rate

FOUR! Shweta gets on one knee and whips it back, over short fine leg. 

Uma this time with a FOUR!

Powered between deep mid-wicket and deep backward square leg. The Warriorz maintaining a healthy run rate, 12 off this over. 

UPW 115/5 in 13 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 4:53 PM

Wareham continues

Sticking to a couple of singles. FOUR! Uma smashes the short, wide ball between cover and extra cover. 

Wide, has to bowl the last one again. FInishes with a single. 

UPW 103/5 in 12 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 4:49 PM

Grace Harris departs

Garth returns. Pressure starting to build for the batters in search for boundaries. OUT!

Harris finds Sneh Rana at long on and that’s the fifth wicket down for UP. 

UPW 94/5 in 11 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 4:44 PM

UPW 90/4 in 10 overs

Ten runs coming off the over. 

Feb 24, 2025, 4:43 PM

Back-to-back fours

Wareham into the attack. Back-to-back FOURs! Sehrawat guides it behind and threads the gap on the off side. 

Feb 24, 2025, 4:42 PM

Eight from the over

FOUR! Short and wide, powered through the gap between backward point and short third. 

Two fours in a row.

UPW 80/4 in 9 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 4:39 PM

Ellyse Perry with her season's first over

Ellyse Perry bowling her first over in this season of the WPL. Grace Harris walks in. Challenges the wide call and wins it. No run from Perry’s over so far. 

Feb 24, 2025, 4:36 PM

Deepti departs

Sneh to Deepti, FOUR! Tossed up full just outside off, Deepti sweeps in the gap, between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg.

Sehrawat bangs one down the track but long off was stationed there. FOUR! Deepti’s sweep serves her well. Picks out the same gao and is just toying with the field now.

Huge shout for lbw and review taken confidently! The ball grazed the skipper’s gloves and Sneh has two. 

UPW 72/4 in 8 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 4:26 PM

Ekta Bisht into the attack

The spinner keeps the runs to a minimum. Loud appeal for lbw! They don’t take the review and rightfully so. There was an edge. Three runs off the over. 

UPW 60/3 in 7 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 4:23 PM

Deepti keeps the momentum going

FOUR! Deepti keeps the momentum going. going down leg and there’s no protection behind short third. 

UPW 57/3 in 6 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 4:21 PM

McGrath departs

Sneh Rana strikes on her RCB debut and takes McGrath's wicket.

Outside off and beats an advancing McGrath. Easy work for Richa Ghosh with the gloves. 

Feb 24, 2025, 4:19 PM

Dinesh Vrinda departs

Vrinda struck on the pads by Renuka but no interest to the appeal. Comes down the track and whacks the next ball over over mid-on for FOUR! OUT! Looked to go the other side of the ball but holes out to Smriti at mid-off. 

Tahlia McGrath is the new batter in. 

Feb 24, 2025, 4:13 PM

UPW 44/1 in 4 overs

Garth going for runs aplenty. Deepti tickles the ball fine behind for FOUR!

The skipper and Vrinda run three on the first. FOUR more! Deepti picks the short one and pulls it over mid-wicket. 

Feb 24, 2025, 4:09 PM

Kiran Navgire departs

OUT! Navgire has to walk back! Castled by Renuka’s in swing. 

Deepti Sharma comes in at 3. 

Feb 24, 2025, 4:06 PM

Renuka returns

FOUR! Vrinda finds her groove and slices the ball past point. 

Feb 24, 2025, 4:04 PM

UPW 25/0 in 2 overs

Kim Garth been taken on by Navgire. Judges the in swings and steps back on the first two balls to smash a FOUR and SIX!

Follows it up with a single. Vrinda Dinesh cannot replicate her partner’s intent. Swing and a miss and Smashes one into the air, but lands in no main’s air.

Shorter and punsihed! Navgire on a roll! Whacks it over the bowler. 

Feb 24, 2025, 3:59 PM

Renuka Singh to start with the new ball

FOUR! Navgire opens her account with an inside edge that runs away to the boundary behind the keeper.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Navgire as she thumps the ball to the long-on boundary. 

UPW 9/0 in 1 over.

Feb 24, 2025, 3:37 PM

RCB to a competitive 180-run total

Kim Garth hands the strike over. Close call! Garth came a long way down and had to dart back.

Ecclestone has denied Perry her century. Has kept Perry’s big-hitting to a minimal. And gets Garth run out on the last ball!

Perry is unbeaten on 90 and has steered RCB to a competitive 180-run total. 

Feb 24, 2025, 3:33 PM

Perry is in fire

FOUR and SIX! No stopping Perry here! And another FOUR! She is racing away to what can be the first WPL century. Batting on 84 and keeping the strike.

RCB 173/5 in 19 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 3:32 PM

Georgia Wareham run out

Deepti with the ball. OUT! Mix-up in the middle and Wareham has to walk back. Saima Thakor aces the pick-up and throw. 

Feb 24, 2025, 3:25 PM

Perry smashes six

Perry on the charge! Short and down leg from McGarth, picked up and put away into the stands. FOUR!

Wareham tagging along, width on offer, stands up tall and slaps it over mid-off. 

Close call! Perry gets her dive right and avoids a runout attempt. 

RCB 158/4 in 18 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 3:22 PM

Perry taking things into her hands

Georgia Wareham is off the mark with a single. Perry has once again been witness to a collapse at the other end and has taken things into her hands. FOUR! 

RCB 144/4 in 17 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 3:20 PM

Kanika Ahuja run out

Feb 24, 2025, 3:18 PM

A loud appeal for lbw

Deepti strikes! A loud appeal for lbw but Uma Chetry quickly swiped the bails off.

Kanika Ahuja had started walking back but umpires are have a check. 

Feb 24, 2025, 3:16 PM

A long over

Kanika cannot capitalise the free hit and settles for a single. A long over finally winds up. 

RCB 136/3 in 16 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 3:15 PM

Play resumes after second timeout

Kanika picks up from Richa left off and that’s FOUR! Exquisite placement between cover and mid off. And Henry has to bowl again, oversteps.

Bouncer and called wide, another free hit! And another wide! Free hit continues. Kanika cannot capitalise and settles for a single. 

Feb 24, 2025, 3:09 PM

Richa departs

Henry to bowl out. Richa steps out to muscle it past mid off but mistimes. But she nails it on the next one. FOUR!

Henry retaliates with a shorter one and Richa fails for it. OUT! Shot high up Henry completes the catch.

Feb 24, 2025, 3:06 PM

Richa Ghosh comes to bat

Richa Ghosh starts with a bang! FOUR! Slot ball on middle stump and she punches it over the bowler.

RCB 121/2 in 15 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 3:04 PM

Wyatt-Hodge departs

McGrath to Wyatt-Hodge. OUT! The Warriorz have a breakthrough.

Miscues the cut and fielder tracks the ball to complete a fine, important catch. 

Feb 24, 2025, 3:02 PM

Both RCB batters on half-centuries

Both batters on half-centuries and raring to score more.

Ecclestone does well to limit the damage. Limits them to running behind the wickets. Ten coming from the over, nevertheless. 

RCB 115/1 in 14 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 2:59 PM

Wyatt-Hodge gets to her half-century

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match 9 LIVE Updates, Scores, News and Free Commentary: Both RCB batters on half-centuries; RCB 115/1 in 14 overs

What a way to bring up a fifty! SIX for Wyatt-Hodge! 

Feb 24, 2025, 2:57 PM

Back-to-back boundaries

Back-to-back ones! FOUR! Wyatt-Hodge picking up the pace now. Two FOURs in a row!

Swatted behind square and goes past the bowler. Make that three! Smacked over covers this time. 

RCB 105/1 in 13 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 2:54 PM

Fifty comes for Ellyse Perry

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match 9 LIVE Updates, Scores, News and Free Commentary: Fifty comes for Ellyse Perry; RCB 89/1 in 12 overs

Kranti replaces Henry. The Warriorz upping their fielding game. Vrinda aces the drive to thwart the ball from deep point ropes. Perry takes a single and that’s fifty!

Feb 24, 2025, 2:53 PM

Big over for RCB

Could this be the over RCB needed to step on the gas? 14 coming from it. 

RCB 89/1 in 12 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 2:51 PM

Deepti is back

SIX! Wyatt-Hodge picks up the floated delivery and launches it over long on.

Perry joining in on the fun now, FOUR! Shorter and Perry swings past short fine leg to the ropes. 

Feb 24, 2025, 2:46 PM

Henry into the attack again

Henry returns. FOUR! Give Perry width and she will make you regret it. Flicks it hard past cover point to the ropes.

Edged but safe! Outside off bounce, Perry gets a top edge but no fielder there. afew singles, eight coming off the over. 

RCB 75/1 in 11 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 2:42 PM

No ball from McGrath

Wyatt-Hodge on strike but can’t make use of the free hit from McGrath’s overstep.

A couple of singles and a double, that’s 10 off the over. 

RCB 67/1 in 10 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 2:41 PM

Tahlia McGrath into the attack

Tahlia McGrath starts with a wide. FOUR! Crafty shot from Perry who took it with the height and guided it over point. 

Feb 24, 2025, 2:38 PM

Strategic timeout

Feb 24, 2025, 2:37 PM

Seven runs from the over

Sticking to the outside off line, forcing Perry to try hammering one through the tight protection. But has to settle for the single again. 

RCB 57/1 in 9 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 2:35 PM

Four from perry

Perry’s edge just out of reach for a diving Uma Chetry but that’s FOUR! Kranti is in shock. 

Feb 24, 2025, 2:34 PM

Five runs from the over

Perry bangs that straight to the bowler who seemed to have gotten a finger on the ball which crashed into the stumps. A brief check to see if Wyatt-Hodge’s bat was in the crease, and she was. 

Wyatt-Hodge on strike, finding the gaps but having to settle with running. 

RCB 50/1 in 8 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 2:29 PM

Eight from the over

Bouncer! Wyatt-Hodge does well to avoid contact. Wider line and Wyatt-Hodge can only swing at air. 

RCB 45/1 in 7 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 2:26 PM

Kranti Goud in action

Sixth bowler in seven over. Kranti Goud into the attack. Perry finds a asingle at short third. 

Feb 24, 2025, 2:25 PM

RCB 42/1 in 6 overs

A single to end the eight-run over. 

Feb 24, 2025, 2:21 PM

Saima Thakor with the ball

Wyatt-Hodge strikes with intent but the fielder in the deep was in place. SIX! Slot, outside off, easy picking for Perry who dislodges the ball over long on. 

Feb 24, 2025, 2:20 PM

RCB 34/1 in 5 overs

Ecclestone reels it back in, finishing with four dots after. 

Feb 24, 2025, 2:20 PM

Back-to-back fours

Back-to-back FOURs for Ellyse Perry.

Full on the pads, Perry sweeps it past backward square leg and smashes through covers on the next. 

Feb 24, 2025, 2:15 PM

Smriti Mandhana departs

Length ball, on middle and off, Smriti Tries to get room and cut but only manages an inside edge that goes on to flatten off stump.

RCB 26/1 in 4 overs.

 

Feb 24, 2025, 2:14 PM

First boundary for Mandhana

First boundary off the bat for Smriti and that’ll be some relief for the skipper. Times the straight drive to perfection. 

RCB 22/0 in 3 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 2:11 PM

Henry continues

Henry comes for the third over.

FOUR!! Short and wide, Wyatt-Hodge cuts with power past short third to the fence. Scampers down for a quick single. 

Feb 24, 2025, 2:09 PM

Catch dropped

The RCB skipper is handed a second life after backward point cant hold on. That’s 11 from the over. 

RCB 13/0 in 2 overs.

Feb 24, 2025, 2:07 PM

Grace Harris with the second over

Grace Harris, the hat-trick taker, has been handed the ball quite early here. SIX!

Didn’t get the release right and Wyatt-Hodge smashes the full-toss over deep backward square ropes. 

Feb 24, 2025, 2:05 PM

Two runs from the first over

Cutter, Wyatt-Hodge finds deep point for a run. Smriti unable to breakthrough the heavily guarded off-side region.

Just two runs this over. 

RCB 2/0 in 1 over.

Feb 24, 2025, 2:02 PM

Chinelle Herny to start the over

Smriti gets off the mark with a single to mid-off. 

Feb 24, 2025, 1:37 PM

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI

Smriti Mandhana (capt), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Ellyse Perry, Raghvi Bist, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Sneh Rana, Kim Garth, Ekta Bisht, Renuka Singh.

Feb 24, 2025, 1:36 PM

UP Warriorz Playing XI

Kiran Navgire, Vrinda Dinesh, Deepti Sharma(c), Tahlia McGrath, Shweta Sehrawat, Grace Harris, Chinelle Henry, Sophie Ecclestone, Uma Chetry(w), Kranti Goud, Saima Thakor.

Feb 24, 2025, 1:35 PM

Toss Update | UPW wins the toss and opts to bowl

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz WPL 2025 Match 9 LIVE Updates, Scores, News and Free Commentary: UPW wins the toss, opts to bowl; Sneh Rana makes RCB debut

UP Warriorz win the toss and decides to bowl first.

Feb 24, 2025, 9:51 AM

How to watch the match?

The live telecast of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz match will be available on the Sports18 Network in India.

The live streaming will be available on the JioHostar App and website.

Feb 24, 2025, 9:47 AM

Match Details

Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs UP Warriorz 

Tournament: Women's Premier League 2025 - Match 9

Date: 24 February 2025

Time: 7:30 pm IST

Venue: M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru 

Next Article

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make Ranji Trophy return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season

Sayan Ghosh emerged as the highest wicket-taker for Bengal in both Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. The Bengal pacer now looking for his Ranji Trophy return.

Feb 22, 2025, 1:07 AM7 min read

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make Ranji Trophy return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com

Chakdaha, a very tiny town in the Nadia district of West Bengal, is known to the cricketing world for a very special player. It is Jhulan Goswami, who made Chakdaha famous with fiery spells all around the globe, wearing the Blue jersey of India. 

When Jhulan was breaking records in women's cricket, another speedster from Chakdaha dreamt of breaking stumps and records too. Sayan Ghosh, known as Bengal's Malinga, saw ups and downs from the start of his cricketing career. But, like his swinging yorkers, Sayan never swayed away from his targets. 

Ghosh last played a Ranji Trophy game way back in 2017. In 6 first-class games, he has two five-wicket hauls. Still, he was never called back to the Ranji Trophy, team until this season. The reason is his incredible comeback into the white ball side for Bengal. 

Sayan Ghosh's incredible season in white-ball format

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make red-ball return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh celebrating a wicket in SMAT pre-quarters vs Chandigarh. Image | PTI

Sayan was always called the "White Ball" specialist due to his ability to hit yorkers and variations. However, with bowlers like Mukesh Kumar, Ishan Porel and Akash Deep doing well, he found himself out of the side in the last few seasons. But, his will to keep doing well at the club level, helped him make another comeback to the Bengal side. 

This season, Sayan Ghosh was the highest wicket-taker for Bengal in both Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament, he returned with 13 wickets from 7 games at an outstanding economy rate of 6.77.

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the stats were even better as he capped off the season with 15 wickets from 7 games which included a five-wicket haul against Kerala. Post, his outstanding white-ball return, Sayan was included in the Ranji Trophy squad for the final two games of the season. 

Read Also | Bengal Ranji Team in Last Three Seasons: 13 opening combinations, 22 debutants and many more numbers

"Nothing as sweet as a comeback:" Sayan Ghosh

After his remarkable resurgence in domestic cricket, Sportz Point sat with the 32-year-old pacer to sense his thoughts. 

Talking about his return to the Bengal team, Sayan started the conversation by saying, "It is always a pleasure to represent Bengal. And there is nothing as sweet as a comeback when you are down and about to lose. Performing well for the team feels great."

Impact of Bengal Pro T20 League

Sayan feels, along with doing well for Mohun Bagan in the club format, the Bengal Pro T20 League has helped him be in the best form possible. 

"I must say, performance in BPL gave me confidence," Sayan told Sportz Point.

"I didn’t take too much pressure for the whole season because I knew if I did well, I would play. I had belief in myself. Captain Sudip (Gharami), coaches Laxmi (Ratan Shukla) da and Maco (Shib Shankar Paul) da gave confidence. So, I didn’t take a lot of pressure."

Focusing on the basics

Sayan Ghosh - Bengal Cricketer | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh during a club match for Mohun Bagan. Image | Sportz Point

A few seasons back, Sayan had a longer run-up which caused him a few injuries. But, post the 2022 season, he shortened his run-up to avoid such injuries which helped him gain more control. Keeping this in mind, Sportz Point wanted to know if he had done anything special to prepare for this grand comeback. 

However, as per Sayan, he just kept doing the basic things over and over to get better at everything. "I do lots of fitness work and spot bowling. It helps me a lot," Sayan added while answering the question. 

Read Also | Where Are They Now: Last Time Bengal Men's Cricket Team Won A Trophy

"Trust in GOD"

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make red-ball return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh ater his 4-wicket haul SMAT 2024. Image | PTI

Regardless of how, for a sportsperson, a comeback is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical battle. Back in 2022, in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point, Sayan shared that "rejections do not deject him." 

But, saying that and actually having that mental strength are two different things altogether. For Sayan, it was all about being present and believing in God. 

"There comes a time in every sportsman's life when they stop worrying about the outcome, trust in God, and fully immerse themselves in the process. So, that was my thinking just to be in the present and wait for my turn," Sayan expressed. 

Read Also | Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

During tough periods like these, players always get some people clapping and cheering for them. For Sayan, along with his family, there were a few people, who guided and supported him throughout the process. 

"Maco da (Shib Shankar Paul) and Kanchan (Maity) da gave me chances in BPL And Laxmi (Ratan Shukla) da helped me and gave me a chance to come back in Bengal Cricket." 

"I must say about Akash da, one of my colleagues in my office, who is a very good bowler himself. He supported me in every aspect of my life. I think without his support, I could not have made the come back like that," Sayan stated.

Age? Not a problem

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make red-ball return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh before a club match for Mohun Bagan. Image | Sportz Point

But, in this process of being in and out of the team, Sayan has reached an age where most cricketers start to reach the end of their careers. But, not all. 

Cricketers like Scott Boland have proved that, if you can keep putting in the hard work, even as a fast bowler you can debut and play at the highest level even after 30. Sayan believes that too. 

"Hope keeps us alive. I don’t think a lot about the outcome. But, when you have a goal to achieve something big in your professional career, you always stay motivated," the 32-year-old shared. 

"There is nothing as sweet as a comeback, when you are down and about to lose. If you are thinking about a comeback, you have to keep pushing the boundaries. I have small targets to do well in club cricket and give Mohunbagan trophies. I want to make a strong impact in Bengal Cricket in every format."

Read Also | Exclusive | "Felt like my debut:" Bengal pacer Ishan Porel now wants to enjoy his cricket after a solid comeback to first-class cricket

The love for "Red Cherry"

"There is nothing as sweet as comeback:" Sayan Ghosh wants to make red-ball return after white-ball success in 2024-25 season | sportzpoint.com
Sayan Ghosh bowling in a club match. Image | Sportz Point

Now, after a great white-ball return, Sayan Ghosh wants to don the whites for Bengal again. Amidst all the success around white-ball cricket, his love for red-ball cricket remained the same; like a 10-year-old with a new ball in hand. 

"We are playing well in all formats, especially in the Ranji trophy. It was unfortunate for us not to qualify despite playing well in the group stages. The Bihar match and the Kerala match were gone because of the rain and that was the reason (we could not qualify). 

"The last time I played a Ranji Trophy game was in 2017. I have played 6 matches and got two five-wicket hauls. However, because of certain team combinations, I haven't played red-ball cricket in a long time now. 

"My belief is always there to make a strong comeback in red ball cricket."

Next Article

Latest Stories

Subscribe Newsletter

Get the latest sports updates and news delivered directly to your inbox.