Bengal’s women’s cricket team has etched its name in the annals of cricket history with a remarkable achievement during the Senior Women’s Trophy 2024. On December 23, 2024, at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, Bengal accomplished the highest successful run chase in Women’s List A cricket, chasing down a daunting target of 390 runs against Haryana. This extraordinary feat not only secured their place in the semi-finals but also marked a significant milestone in women’s List-A cricket.
Bengal’s record-breaking chase feat
In a thrilling encounter, Bengal’s players showcased their batting prowess and resilience. The previous record for the highest successful chase was held by Northern Districts, who chased down 309 runs against Canterbury in a New Zealand domestic match in 2019. On the international stage, Sri Lanka had set a record earlier this year with a chase of 305 runs against South Africa. Bengal’s achievement of surpassing these records by successfully reaching 390 runs is a testament to their skill and determination.
Also READ: England unveil 2025 Women’s Ashes squads for Australia tour
Key performers from a spectacular game
The standout performer for Bengal was Tanusree Sarkar, who was named “Player of the Match” for her explosive innings of 113 runs off just 83 balls, which included an impressive 20 boundaries. Her innings was pivotal in steering Bengal towards victory with five balls to spare. The chase began with openers Dhara Gujjar and Sasthi Mondal setting a solid foundation, scoring 69 and 52 runs respectively. Their quick-fire partnership laid the groundwork for what would become a historic run chase.
Haryana, batting first, had set a formidable target by scoring 389 runs for the loss of five wickets. Shafali Verma was the star for Haryana, scoring an astonishing 197 runs off 115 balls, which included 22 fours and 11 sixes. Despite her brilliant performance, which was her second century of the tournament, it ultimately fell short as Bengal’s batting lineup proved too strong.
A historic moment for women’s cricket
This remarkable victory is not just a win for Bengal but also a significant moment for women’s cricket as a whole. It highlights the growing competitiveness and talent within women’s cricket, showcasing that they can achieve records previously thought unattainable. The match saw a total of 779 runs scored between both teams, underscoring the high-scoring nature of this encounter.
The head coach of Bengal, Probal Dutta, expressed immense pride in his team’s performance. He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and belief during such high-pressure situations. Jhulan Goswami, a mentor to the team, echoed these sentiments by praising the players’ mindset and their ability to chase down such a massive target.
With this historic win, Bengal’s women’s team not only advances to the semi-finals but also sets a new benchmark for future generations in women’s cricket. Their achievement is expected to inspire young cricketers across India and beyond to pursue their dreams on the cricket field. As they prepare for their next challenge in the tournament, all eyes will be on Bengal to see if they can continue their remarkable journey and possibly secure the title.
Also READ: Renuka Singh Thakur’s fifer and Smriti Mandhana’s 91 take India home in the ODI series opener against West Indies
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.