Railways led by Mithali Raj crush Jharkhand to win national women's one-day title

The formidable Indian Railways once again clinched the one-day national championship title with a landslide seven-wicket victory over Jharkhand in the final here on Sunday.

Of the 14 editions of National One Dayers, the Railroads women have won 12 titles in the same number of appearances in the summit clash, which is a testament to their dominance in women’s cricket.

Such was Railways’ control over procedures that they chased down the paltry 168 goal in just 37 overs and without the need for their best hitter, Raj, to come out of even the coldest confines of the locker room.

Indian international Punam Raut’s patient, 59 out of 94 balls, laid the groundwork for off-roader Sneh Rana to finish the game in no time, breaking 34 rather than 22 balls.

Aside from her breezy hit, Rana was also the most successful Railways bowler taking 3 out of 34 with her handy breaks.

It was a thoroughly professional performance in all Railways departments after Jhakhand opted to hit.

Up to six Jharkhand hitters couldn’t cross the double figures, while three couldn’t even open their accounts.

The railroads held their ground as Raj deployed five spinners in his six-pin attack.

The lone pacemaker Meghna Singh (2/22 in 7 overs) provided big strides in successive deliveries in the seventh after firing Ritu Kumari (0) and Radhey Sonia (0).

Indrani Roy (49 of 77 balls), Jharkhand’s best hitter in the tournament, was not at her best fluency that day as she could only hit three limits.

Just when she looked ready, Rana had her stumped by Team India goalkeeper Nuzhat Parween. Durga Murmu (31) and patron Mani Niharika (39 not out) were the other major contributors to Jharkhand.

Jharkhand was 130 of 5 on a stage at ’39, looking good for a total closer to 200, but they lost their last five wickets for 37 races.

Ekta Bisht (2/33 in 7 overs) and out-of-form leg spinner Poonam Yadav (1/26 in 7 overs) also kept things tight along with Rana and Swagatika Rath (1/28).

While chasing, starter S Meghana (53 of 67 balls, 6×4) and Raut (11×4) added 107 runs for the second wicket in 25 overs. While Meghana was more offensive in her hitting game, she allowed senior pro Raut to play her natural game of crushing the opposition.

Both were fired in quick succession, but Mona Meshram (19 not eliminated) and Sneh added 45 runs in fewer than seven overs to seal the deal. Rana hit five fours and six, while Meshram also got a maximum.

Brief scores

Jharkhand 167 with all in 50 overs (Indrani Roy 49 of 77 balls; Sneh Rana 3/33, Ekta Bisht 2/33, Poonam Yadav 1/26).

Railways 169/3 in 37 overs (Punam Raut 59 of 94 balls, S Meghana 53 of 67 balls, Sneh Rana 34 not of 22 balls). The railroads won by 7 plots.

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