On a Monday night, caressed by a gentle wind at the MCA Stadium here, the Women’s T20 Challenge made its much-awaited return after a year’s interval. The opening match proved something of a mismatch, however, as defending champion Trailblazers was humbled by Supernovas by 49 runs.
Chasing Supernovas’ 163, the highest total in the tournament’s history, Trailblazers batters struggled after a promising first-wicket stand of 39 in five overs between skipper Smriti Mandhana (34, 23b, 4x4) and Hayley Matthews (18, 14b, 2x4, 1x6). Trailblazers collapsed spectacularly — from 63 for one to 73 for seven — against a disciplined bowling attack backed by fine fielding.
The West Indian was first to go. She made room to hit Pooja Vastrakar over the off-side, only to nick to the ’keeper. The impressive seamer then removed Smriti, who fell to a superb, tumbling catch at mid-on by Priya Punia.
