President Cup: Vrushali Bhagat takes Mumbai Blasters by storm, smashes 44 runs off 31 balls

Mumbai Thunders’ Vrushali Bhagat during the President Cup match against Mumbai Blasters at Wankhede yesterday. Pics/Ashish Raje

Vrushali Bhagat's all-round performance and Niyati Jagtap's 3-18 and two catches helped Mumbai Thunders defeat Mumbai Blasters by 45 runs for their second win in the Women's T20 President Cup at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.

Opting to bat, Thunders made 114-6. They showed early aggression through Simran Shaikh (13 off 8 balls) but soon lost three wickets for 28 runs in less than six overs. Vrushali Bhagat (44 off 31) stayed till the 18th over to stabilise the innings. She played square of the wicket with boundaries coming in cut shots and sweeps. Cameos from Mithali Mhatre (15 not out) and Riddhi Singh (15) helped them to a competitive total. Janhvi Kate (2-17) and Sayali Satgahre (2-23) were the pick of the Blasters bowlers.

Niyati Jagtap and Humairaa Kazi

However, the Blasters were bowled out for 69 in 18.3 overs. They started with force, led by Riya Chaudhari (29) but soon lost the plot as Niyati picked two wickets in her first over followed by Vrushali (2-6) dismissing Riya soon after. Humairaa Kazi (3-4) picked up wickets towards the end while Simran effected two great throws inside the circle for run outs.

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Player of the match, Vrushali Bhagat told mid day: "I keep it simple, see the ball and hit it and I try to keep situational awareness. The team staff asked me to play the anchor [role] and stay till the end since we lost many wickets." About the pitch, she said, "It was slower than yesterday [Tuesday], and the ball was stopping [before coming on to the bat]."