PANAJI
In a closely fought league encounter of the 7th Rama Atray Women's T-20 Cricket Tournament 2026 at the DAV 8 Ground in Chandigarh, Punjab Junior Women secured a hard-fought five-wicket victory over Goa Women.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Goa Women had a rocky start, losing three early wickets for just 19 runs inside four overs. Bowling strikes by Alisha Mehta (2/25) and Shivani (1/13) put Goa under immediate pressure. Wicketkeeper-batter Vinavi Gurav stabilized the innings with 29 runs, while Divya Naik contributed a patient 26. A late flourish from Tanaya Naik, who smashed an unbeaten 31 off 21 balls, propelled Goa Women to a defendable total of 118/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Chasing 119, Punjab Junior Women stumbled early as Manya Sharma fell for 5. However, captain Khushnawal Kaur led from the front, composing a decisive match-winning half-century. Kaur struck 50 off 43 deliveries, laced with eight boundaries, to anchor the run chase. Useful contributions from Manreet Aulakh (19) and Akanksha Saini (20) kept the required rate in check, despite Goa skipper Shreya Subhash Parab taking 2/28. Punjab Junior Women eventually overhauled the target in 19.1 overs, finishing on 119/5 to seal the win.
Scorecard
GOA Women: 118/5 (20.0 Overs)
Tanaya Naik 31* (21), Vinavi Gurav 29 (24), Divya Naik 26 (39), Alisha Mehta 2/25 (3.0), Shivani 1/13 (4.0)
PUNJAB Junior Women: 119/5 (19.1 Overs) Khushnawal Kaur 50 (43), Akanksha Saini 20 (17), Shreya Parab 2/28 (4.0), Harshita Yadav 1/15 (3.0)
