The DP World Lions and Western Province, champions and runners-up of the previous season, commenced their 2023/24 CSA Women’s T20 Challenge (Division One) campaigns with convincing seven-wicket victories over Recon Tactical Free State and the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, respectively, on Sunday.

In their opening match at the DP World Wanderers, the Lions chose to field after winning the toss. The bowlers, led by South African fast-bowling legend Shabnim Ismail, who claimed two wickets for 21 runs in four overs, and Kgomotso Rapoo (2/24), restricted Free State to a total of 126/6 in 20 overs. Yolandi Potgieter (32 off 25) and former Proteas captain Mignon du Preez (29 off 18) were the top contributors for Free State.

The Lions�reply was spearheaded by Sunette Viljoen-Louw’s unbeaten 37* off 34 balls (5 fours) and Kristie Thomson’s brisk 33 off 20 balls (5 fours, 1 six). They chased down the target with seven deliveries to spare. Promising young talent Karabo Meso added an undefeated 29* off 17 balls (5 fours), securing the victory for the Gauteng side within 18.5 overs.

In an electrifying display of skill and determination, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team secured a resounding victory over Bangladesh in the Women’s T20Is semifinal at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field in Hangzhou, China, on a sunny Sunday afternoon (September 24). The toss favored Bangladesh, led by Nigar Sultana, who elected to bat first. However, their well-laid plans crumbled, and they were bundled out for a mere 51 runs in 17.5 overs.

Captain Nigar Sultana was the solitary bright spot for Bangladesh, managing to put up a score in double figures with a gritty 12 runs off 17 balls, including a boundary. Yet, no other batter managed to resist the onslaught of top-quality Indian bowling. Pooja Vastrakar emerged as the chief tormentor for the Indian side, finishing with exceptional figures of 4 for 17. The likes of Titas Sadhu, Amanjot Kaur, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Devika Vaidya each contributed with a wicket, compounding Bangladesh’s woes.

In pursuit of the meager target of 52 runs, India did face early setbacks with the dismissals of captain Smriti Mandhana (7 off 12) and Shafali Varma (17 off 21). However, they confidently reached their goal in just 8.2 overs, with 8 wickets in hand. Jemimah Rodrigues (20* off 15) and Kanika Ahuja (1* off 2) calmly anchored the chase. Despite Marufa Akter and Fahima Khatun picking up a wicket each for Bangladesh, it proved insufficient against India’s strong resolve.