Mithali Raj's batting effort went in vain for India Blue as Deepti Sharma’s all-round effort helped India Red to win a rain-curtailed opening encounter of the Women’s senior T20 Challenger Trophy at the Alur ground on Tuesday (14 August).

Veteran Indian batswomen Raj's 51 off 51 balls wasn't enough to prevent her team, India Blue, from the defeat, as Deepti’s 2/15 and 45 off 44 balls helped India Red to open their T20 Challenger Trophy campaign with a seven runs win in a rain-affected encounter.

Mithali’s Blue managed to post a modest total of 100/ 8 in 20 overs, while India Red were 79/3 in 16.3 overs when rain interrupted the match, but they managed to win the T20 encounter via the VJD method.

Noteworthy, India Blue decided to bat first but could not get the healthy start as the batting collapses cost the team most, as Mithali was the only batsman who managed to score decent runs for the side; resulting Deepti turned the match in favor of India Red with his brilliant all-round efforts.

Now, India Blue will next play India Green on 15 August at Alur Cricket Stadium III, Alur in the second encounter of the senior T20 Challenger Trophy 2018.

Brief Scores: India Blue 100/8 in 20 overs (Mithali Raj 51 off 51 balls, Deepti Sharma 2/15). India Red 79/3 in 16.3 overs (Deepti Sharma 45 off 44 balls). 

(Source: PTI)