In an action-packed third T20 clash of WAPL 2026 at the ACA Stadium, Mangalagiri, Amaravati E Champions Women (AEC-W) locked horns with Rayalaseema Xen Stars Women (RXS-W) in an edge-of-the-seat thriller.
Opting to set the tone early on a cloudy afternoon, AEC-W’s openers set up a magnificent launchpad. Opening batters Parasa Lakshmi and captain Neeragattu Anusha constructed a remarkably steady partnership to put a formidable platform. Lakshmi grounded the innings with a formidable 50 off 44 balls featuring 5 boundaries and a couple of maxes, while skipper Anusha anchored brilliantly from the other end with 46 off 41 deliveries, smashing 5 boundaries and a success over the fence. The initial breakthrough for RXS-W got here when Ellulla Padmaja eliminated Parasa Lakshmi (caught by Reddy).
Quickly after, Bareddy Anusha dismissed skipper Anusha (caught by Lakshmi), breaking the sturdy foundation. Regardless of losing both set openers, AEC-W maintained their momentum through a blistering late-overs assault. Katragadda Deeksha stole the present with a sparkling, unbeaten counter-attack, blasting 48 runs off simply 22 balls at a staggering strike charge of 218.18, laced with 4 boundaries and 3 big sixes. Kandregula Devika made a brief look scoring 4 off 5 balls before being caught by Sai off Padmaja’s bowling, but Katta Mahanthi Sree offered final-over fireworks, chipping in with a quickfire 13* off 8 balls (including 1 boundary).
For RXS-W, skipper Ellulla Padmaja (1/27 in 4 overs) and Bareddy Anusha (1/19 in 4 overs) held their floor with disciplined spells. Malakonda Poojitha claimed 1/20 in her 2 overs, while Avula Sireesha (0/7 in 1 over), Vasavi Pavani (0/45 in 4 overs), Sajja Lakshmi (0/10 in 1 over), Kokkiligadda Dhathri (0/23 in 3 overs), and Vemulapati Setu Sai (0/11 in 1 over) struggled to include the run flow, permitting AEC-W to reach a commandingly tall rating of 163/3.
Chasing a target of 164, Rayalaseema Xen Stars Women bought off to a brisk start. Opener Vemulapati Setu Sai struck a handy guide a rough 20 off 14 balls (4 boundaries) before falling caught by Deeksha off Tarini Joshi, with the rating at 39/1 in 3.4 overs. Her partner Kolathur Subhashri compiled a useful 22 off 15 balls with 4 boundaries, while Vasavi Pavani contributed a quick 16 off 11 balls (3 boundaries). However, Kandregula Devika swung the tide in AEC-W’s favor by dismissing both Pavani (61/2 in 5.1 overs) and Subhashri (62/3 in 5.5 overs), with both catches taken by Sree.
Greeshma Saini Reddy kept RXS-W proper within the hunt with an explosive 39 off 24 balls, hitting 3 fours and a couple of sixes, before she was clean-bowled by Kasri Sai Poojitha. The turning point got here when AEC-W’s Kasri Sai Poojitha unleashed an absolute masterclass in spin bowling during the middle and final overs. Poojitha systematically dismantled RXS-W’s middle order, picking up 4 for 23 in her 4 overs. Avula Sireesha fought valiantly with a gritty 20 off 27 balls before being caught by Anusha off Bogiya Sai Deepthy. Poojitha then despatched back skipper Ellulla Padmaja (0 off 1 ball, caught by Hamsa) and Sajja Lakshmi (0 off 1 ball, caught by Deeksha) in fast succession, before having Bareddy Anusha (12 off 8 balls) caught by Prasanna.
Down the order, Kokkiligadda Dhathri managed 3 off 6 balls before being run out by Deeksha, while Hema Roshini (6* off 8) and Malakonda Poojitha (4* off 5) remained unbeaten. AEC-W’s bowling effort was spearheaded by Poojitha (4/23) and supported strongly by Kandregula Devika (2/14 in 4 overs) and Bogiya Sai Deepthy (1/31 in 4 overs). Tarini Joshi grabbed 1/25 in 3 overs, while Ankani Vishnu Priya (0/14 in 1 over), S Lakshmi Prasanna (0/16 in 1 over), and Ok Hamsa (0/27 in 3 overs) kept the stress on. Limiting RXS-W to 156/9 in their 20 overs, Amaravati E Champions Women sealed an exciting 7-run victory.
Loves all things feminine cricket
Source: femalecricket.com
