Mumbai retain Vodafone NCT trophy with ease
The atmosphere at the Police gymkhana was electrifying. It was carnival and festive mood for one and all on April 21st 2015, where the entire Vodafone family met for the finals of National Cricket Trophy 2015 with two teams Mumbai and UP East who played very good cricket for the past few months were awaiting for their clash. The ladies from Vodafone proved a point that women too take their cricket seriously and play hard to win. While the supporters had come in large numbers, the entertainment was almost unlimited with bands, music, colourful lights, cheer leaders making their presence felt. Last years inaugural champion Mumbai won the toss and decided to bat first, wanted to put a good total on the board to put pressure on the opposition. It became true as openers Dhanashree and Mansi sent UP East bowlers on a leather hunt. What was impressive in their batting was not hitting the ball in the gaps but rotation of strike. The icing on the cake was running between the wickets. None of the UP east bowlers had opened their account in wickets column and Mumbai finished with 77 runs in their 10 overs. Dhanashree with 43 Not Out and Mansi with 27 Not out finished unconquered.
The two were not yet done. They came back to rip through the UP East batting line up and they folded just for 19 runs. Dhanashree was unbelievable with 4 wickets in her first over which was maiden too. In came her partner Mansi and took 3 wickets in her spell to make it a one sided affair. Mumbai won by 59 runs and one thought they were too strong for UP East. For the visitors it was good learning experience reaching the finals as they had put a very good performance running into the finals.
This tournament has proved that women’s cricket too has come a long way. Its for the others to take a cue and make a mark in women’s cricket. Hats off to all those who have worked hard to make this tournament a grand success. Great team work.
Best Player of the tournament : Mumbai – Ms. Dhanashree
Best player of the Tournament : UP East – Ajitha Nigam
Best player of the finals : Dhanashree of Mumbai
Article covered by Mr. Venkatraman Iyer
Sr. Editor & Commentrator @ www.cricketgraph.com
