Mumbai, June 10 (IANS) Sanika Chalke produced a batting masterclass as Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburb stormed into the final of the inaugural T20 Mumbai Women’s League with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Thane Sky Risers at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest 114, the Tigers cruised to victory with five overs to spare, thanks largely to Sanika’s unbeaten 74 off 51 deliveries. The opener anchored the chase brilliantly, striking 11 fours and two sixes to ensure there were no late hiccups.

Sanika and Humairaa Kaazi (5) gave the Tigers a steady start, adding 35 runs for the opening wicket before Kashish Nirmal provided the Risers a brief glimmer of hope. The medium pacer struck twice in successive deliveries in the fifth over, dismissing Kaazi and then Sejal Raut for a duck to leave the Tigers at 35/2.

However, the double blow failed to derail the chase. Sanika continued to dominate the bowlers with a series of crisp boundaries, while Fatima Jaffer played the perfect supporting role at the other end. The pair stitched together an unbroken 82-run partnership for the third wicket, with Fatima contributing a composed 35 not out as the Tigers sealed a comfortable win.

Earlier, a disciplined effort with the ball helped the Tigers restrict Thane Sky Risers to 113/9 in their allotted 20 overs after electing to field first. The Risers struggled to build momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals throughout the innings. Vruushali Bhagat top-scored with 32, while Mansi Patil made 25 and skipper Khushi Bhatia chipped in with 21. Beyond the trio, the batting unit failed to make a significant impact against a well-drilled Tigers attack.

Manali Dakshini and Batul Pereira starred with the ball for the Tigers, claiming two wickets apiece, while the rest of the bowling unit maintained pressure to keep the scoring rate in check and restrict the Risers to a below-par total.

With the victory, Aakash Tigers MWS booked their place in Saturday’s final, where they will take on SOBO Mumbai Falcons at the Wankhede Stadium.

Brief Scores: Thane Sky Risers 113/9 in 20 overs (Vruushali Bhagat 32, Mansi Patil 25; Manali Dakshini 2/20, Batul Pereira 2/22) lost to Aakash Tigers MWS 117/2 in 15 overs (Sanika Chalke 74 not out, Fatima Jaffar 35 not out; Kashish Nirmal 2/32) by 8 wickets.

–IANS

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