Women's Cricket: Nadia district women's team beat Howrah to win their 4th consecutive T20 title

Nadia District Women's Cricket team proved their dominance in Bengal cricket once again by winning their 4th consecutive inter-district T20 title. They achieved the feat by defeating Howrah District by 49 runs in Kalyani under the scorching heat of 40 degrees.

Nadia now have won their fourth T20 title since the 2020 season. Their dominance in Bengal women's cricket was cemented with another title. Moreover, if we consider One-day titles, they have now won their 6th title in the last 8 years. In the 2016 and 2019 seasons, they clinched the ODI title whereas the rest of the four titles are from the T20 format.

Captain Mita Paul and Priyanka Bala guide Nadia to 159 in the first inning

In the final at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, Nadia won the toss and decided to put runs on the board. Although opener Sujata Dey hit two boundaries in the powerplay overs, Nadia quickly lost two wickets within the first 6 overs. Tithi Das and Moinka Paul were the wicket-takers for Howrah.

But post that, everything went in Nadia's direction with captain Mita Paul and senior batter Priyanka Bala at the crease. Priyanka, who was in the Mumbai Indians squad in the inaugural Women's Premier League showed her class from the ball one. On the other hand, Mita kept on giving her good support fro the other end. But, once Mita cut loose, inexperienced Howrah bowlers found it hard to bowl against them. Both Mita Paul and Priyanka Bala crossed their fifties while completing 100 run partnership. Priyanka (55 from 42) was finally stumped by Ankita Singh off Bristi Maji in the final over as Nadia finished the first inning on 159/3. Captain Mita Paul remained unbeaten on 77 from 55 balls.

Women's Cricket: Howarh's chase against Nadia

Coming to chase, openers Bristi Maji and Tithi Das gave a great start to Howrah. Both Tithi and Bristi were able to score boundaries against opening bowlers in the powerplay. However, soon the powerplay was gone, the scoring rate slowed a bit. Losing Tithi Das (29 from 24 balls) did not help them as well.

Post Tithi's wicket none of the Howrah batters could give the proper support to Bristi Maji who kept on fighting alone for her team. Meanwhile, Nadia's bowlers kept it tight to let the required run rate go above ten. Once the required run rate was over 10, it looked quite impossible for Howrah to deny Nadia their fourth consecutive title.

Mita Paul and Moli Mandal took one wicket a piece for Nadia while Rupa Dutta took two for them. Bristi Maji was the lone fighter for Howarh with 55 from 60 balls as they finished on 110/5 in the second inning. Mita Paul was adjudged player of the match for her all-round performance. Indian Cricket legend Jhulan Goswami along with other former Bengal and Indian cricketers was present at the ground to present the Player of the Match award.