Mumbai, June 6 (IANS) Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs rode a rollicking half-century from Sanika Chalke to register their first win in the inaugural T20 Mumbai Women’s League with a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Thane Sky Risers at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

Chasing 157, the Tigers produced a composed batting performance to reach the target with four balls to spare. Sanika led the charge with a brilliant 68 off 36 deliveries, setting the tone for the chase from the outset. She shared a crucial 69-run opening partnership with Humairaa Kaazi (18) in just 7.2 overs. While Kaazi played the supporting role, Sanika took the attack to the bowlers, striking 10 fours and two sixes to put the Tigers firmly in control.

Later, Fatima Jaffar and Manali Dakshini remained unbeaten on 28 and 29 respectively, guiding their side home with ease.

Earlier, Thane Sky Risers posted a competitive 156/6 after being asked to bat. Openers Mansi Patil and Vruushali Bhagat gave their side a solid start with a 73-run partnership. Patil top-scored with 40 while Bhagat contributed 29 before retiring out in the 10th over.

However, the Risers were unable to capitalise on the strong foundation as the middle-order struggled to maintain the momentum.

Captain Saima Thakor chipped in with a useful 23 lower down the order to help her side post a fighting total. For the Tigers, Siddhi Kamthe starred with the ball, returning with impressive figures of 3/29.

Earlier on Friday night, the Ajinkya Rahane-led North Mumbai Panthers registered a 22-run win over Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs in the men’s tournament. Ayush Vartak starred with an unbeaten 83 to power the Panthers to 194/6.

In reply, Tigers were restricted to 172/9 despite an impressive 62 from skipper Sarfaraz Khan. The victory extended Panthers’ unbeaten run and lifted them to top of the points table with three wins from as many games, while the Tigers are placed fourth after their second defeat in three games.

Brief Scores: Thane Sky Risers 156/6 (Mansi Patil 40, Vruushali Bhagat 29; Siddhi Kamthe 3/29) lost to Aakash Tigers MWS 157/3 in 19.2 overs (Sanika Chalke 68, Manali Dakshini 29 not out; Soumya Singh 2/34) by 7 wickets.

–IANS

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