Lucknow: Lucknow Shernis were crowned champions of the inaugural Lucknow Women’s Premier League after defeating SAGE Falcon by seven runs in a thrilling final at the SAGE Ground.
Batting first after being asked to do so, Lucknow Shernis posted 114 for six in 20 overs. SAGE Falcon managed 107 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. Saanvi Bhatia emerged as the match-winner with an impressive spell of three wickets for 19 runs.
Lucknow made an uncertain start after Anshu Tiwari retired hurt for nine and Vagisha Singh was dismissed for four. Saanvi Bhatia added 10 before departing, leaving the team at 33 for three. Aayushi Srivastava and Katyayani Pathak then steadied the innings with an 89-run partnership.
Pathak scored 31 off 29 balls, including two fours and two sixes, while Aayushi remained unbeaten on 57 off 36 balls, hitting eight boundaries. Her innings was her highest individual score of the tournament and helped Shernis register the league’s highest team total.
SAGE Falcon’s Archana Yadav was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 19 runs, while Nidhi Singh took one wicket.
Chasing 115, SAGE Falcon started positively, with Arzoo Singh anchoring the innings. She scored 40 off 42 balls, including five fours and a six. Sonali Singh remained unbeaten on 30, while Archana scored nine.
The contest turned decisively in the closing overs as Saanvi Bhatia bowled with control under pressure, dismissing Archana, Shraddha and Nidhi. Her 3/19 restricted Falcon to 107 for seven, handing Shernies a memorable seven-run victory.
After the final, Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav presented the trophies and awards. CAL president Dr Navneet Sehgal, secretary KM Khan, league commissioner SP Mishra, deputy commissioner Priyanka Shaily and league president Piyush Pandey were among those present.
Aayushi Srivastava was named Player of the Match, while Katyayani Pathak received the Player of the League award. Priyanshi Yadav of REPL Challengers was named Best Bowler, Arzoo Singh Best Batter and Payal Chaurasia of REPL Challengers Best Catch.
Dr Navneet Sehgal also announced that a Mumbai-based industrial group has adopted Arzoo Singh and bowler Priyanshi Yadav and will support their practice and training expenses, providing a significant boost to their cricketing development.
Lucknow Shernis thus created history by becoming the inaugural champions of the Lucknow Women’s Premier League.
