Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Multi-Day Trophy 2023-24, Semi Finals: Day 1 Review- Match Recap, Top Run Getters, Top Wicket-Takers

After a hiatus of six years, the Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Multi-Day Trophy 2023-24 has made a triumphant return to the cricketing arena, bringing with it a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation.

This prestigious tournament, known for showcasing the talent and prowess of women domestic cricketers across India, has once again captured the imagination of fans and players alike. The quarter-final stage witnessed enthralling contests, as teams battled it out for a coveted spot in the semi-finals.

In Quarter Final 1, East Zone emerged victorious over North East Zone, securing their passage to the next round where they are currently squaring off against North Zone. Meanwhile, in Quarter Final 2, West Zone displayed their dominance with a commanding win over Central Zone, setting up a tantalizing semi-final encounter against South Zone.

With the stage now set for the semi-finals, the intensity and excitement are palpable as the top teams vie for supremacy in the Senior Women’s Multi-Day Trophy.

Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Multi-Day Trophy 2023-24: Semi Finals Day 1 Wrap

Semi-Final 1- North Zone vs East Zone

In a thrilling encounter at the Pune Cricket Club Ground, the Semi-Final 1 clash of the Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Multi-Day Trophy witnessed an intense battle between North Zone and East Zone on the first day of the three-day red-ball fixture.

East Zone, after winning the toss, elected to bat first. However, their innings got off to a shaky start as Uma Chetry fell early, caught by Neena M Chaudhary off the bowling of Priyanka Sharma for just 13 runs.

With Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh dismissed cheaply, the situation looked bleak. Despite several batters getting starts, none could convert them into substantial scores.

Dhara Gujjar chipped in with a gritty 81-ball 17, but the East Zone struggled to form significant partnerships. Monikha Das top-scored and showed some resistance with 29 runs and was supported by Durga Murmu’s 28, but the innings folded for a dismal 132 runs in 71.4 overs.

The North Zone bowlers displayed discipline and control, with Amanjot Kaur, Priyanka Sharma, and Shafali Verma claiming two wickets each. Their combined efforts restricted East Zone’s scoring opportunities and kept the pressure on throughout the innings.

In response, North Zone began steadily, with Priya Punia and Shafali Verma laying a solid foundation with a partnership worth 56 runs. Priya Punia’s brisk 27 set the tone, while Shafali Verma anchored the innings with a patient unbeaten knock of 57 runs.

Despite a brief hiccup where two quick wickets fell, Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 10 runs before falling victim to Deepti’s bowling. Nandani Sharma remained unbeaten on 0 as North Zone ended the day at 99/3 in 28 overs, trailing by 33 runs with seven wickets in hand.

East Zone bowlers, led by Mamta Paswan with two crucial breakthroughs, tried to stem the flow of runs but faced stiff resistance from the North Zone batters.

The stage is set for an intriguing second day as both teams gear up to continue their battle for supremacy in this crucial semi-final clash. North Zone will be looking to build on their solid start and East Zone will be eager to make early inroads tomorrow.

Semi-Final 2- South Zone versus West Zone

In the pulsating clash between South Zone and West Zone in the Senior Women’s Multi-Day Trophy Semi-Final 2– South Zone managed to seize the initiative on the opening day with a solid batting performance.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, South Zone got off to a steady start with Roshni Kiran and M Durga at the crease. However, the West Zone bowlers struck early, with Kiran departing for 13 runs. Despite the loss, Durga and Tamanna Nigam steadied the innings with a partnership of 37 runs before Durga fell for 31 runs.

Nigam, however, continued her fine form and crafted a composed innings of 55 runs before being adjudged leg-before wicket off the bowling of D P Vaidya. The middle order of South Zone faltered briefly, but Arundathi Reddy took charge of the innings with a brilliant knock of 85 runs, anchoring the innings amidst occasional wickets falling around her.

Sajana S provided valuable support with a well-compiled 74 runs, guiding South Zone to a respectable total. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, G Kamalini and S Anusha chipped in with handy contributions towards the end as South Zone posted a competitive total of 289 runs in their first innings.

The West Zone bowlers toiled hard, with Radha Yadav leading the attack with four crucial wickets, while S B Pokharkar and A A Patil contributed with three and one wickets respectively.

In reply, West Zone faced a tricky period towards the end of the day’s play, losing the wicket of Riya Chaudhari early on, courtesy of a delivery from Arundathi Reddy. However, D P Vaidya remained unbeaten on 8 runs, steering West Zone to 9/1 at stumps.

With the match finely poised, both teams will look to gain the upper hand on Day 2 as the battle for supremacy in the Senior Women’s Multi-Day Trophy intensifies at the D Y Patil Academy, Ambi.

Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Multi-Day Trophy 2023-24: Semi Finals Day 1: Top Run Getters

Player	Team	Runs
Arundathi Reddy	South Zone	85
Sajana S	South Zone	74
Shafali Verma	North Zone	57
Tamanna Nigam	South Zone	55
M Durga	South Zone	31

 

Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Multi-Day Trophy 2023-24: Semi Finals Day 1: Top Wicket Takers

Player	Team	Wickets
Radha Yadav	West Zone	4
SB Pokharkar	West Zone	3
Amanjot Kaur	North Zone	2
Shafali Verma	North Zone	2
Priyanka Sharma	North Zone	2

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