Shishira Gowada's Stellar Century Guides Karnataka to Thrilling Victory Over Uttar Pradesh
In a gripping encounter at the Sanosara Cricket Ground in Rajkot on Friday, Karnataka's women's cricket team clinched a hard-fought 17-run victory against Uttar Pradesh in the Senior Women One Day Trophy. The match was highlighted by a magnificent century from opener Shishira A Gowada and a resilient fightback from Uttar Pradesh's Muskan Malik.
Karnataka's Commanding Batting Display
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Karnataka built a formidable total of 282 for 6 in their allotted 50 overs. The foundation was laid by a spectacular 126-run opening partnership between Shishira Gowada and captain S Shubha. Shishira Gowada was the standout performer, crafting a masterful 119 runs off just 128 deliveries. Her innings was adorned with 19 boundaries, showcasing her aggressive yet controlled batting style. She was eventually dismissed by Uttar Pradesh's Anjali Singh, but not before setting a challenging target.
Captain S Shubha provided crucial support with a well-compiled 57 runs, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking. However, Uttar Pradesh's bowling attack, led by Archana Devi, managed to apply some pressure in the later stages. Archana Devi emerged as the most successful bowler for her side, claiming three important wickets for 64 runs, while Shilpi Yadav chipped in with two scalps for 50 runs.
Uttar Pradesh's Valiant Chase Falls Short
In response, Uttar Pradesh launched a spirited chase, spearheaded by a brilliant century from one-down batter Muskan Malik. Muskan Malik played a scintillating knock of 115 runs off 120 balls, which included 14 fours and two powerful sixes. She formed a vital 86-run partnership for the third wicket with Nishi Kashyap, who contributed a steady 40 runs before being stumped by Soumya Verma off the bowling of Saloni P.
Muskan Malik continued her assault, adding a quickfire 54 runs for the fifth wicket with Archana Devi, who remained unbeaten on a brisk 46 off 37 balls, hitting seven boundaries. Despite these efforts, the lower order failed to provide the necessary support, and Uttar Pradesh were eventually restricted to 265 for 9 in their 50 overs.
Karnataka's bowling unit delivered under pressure, with Saloni P being the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 55 runs. Rajeshwari and Tejeshwini also contributed with two wickets each, ensuring Karnataka secured a narrow but decisive victory.
Match Summary and Key Takeaways
Brief Scores:
- Karnataka: 282 for 6 (Shishira Gowada 119, S Shubha 57; Archana Devi 3/64, Shilpi Yadav 2/50)
- Uttar Pradesh: 265 for 9 (Muskan Malik 115, Nishi Kashyap 40, Archana Devi 46*; Saloni P 3/55, Rajeshwari 2/66, Tejeshwini 2/30)
This victory underscores Karnataka's batting depth and ability to set competitive totals, while Uttar Pradesh's fighting spirit, led by Muskan Malik's century, made for an enthralling contest. The match sets a positive tone for both teams as they progress in the Senior Women One Day Trophy.
