Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], June 14 (ANI): The NECO Master Blaster Women's team secured a spot in the final of the Vidarbha Women's Premier League (VPL) 2026 after a hard-fought four-wicket victory over the Orange Tigresses in the Eliminator match held at the VCA Civil Lines Ground in Nagpur on Saturday.
Orange Tigresses Set a Competitive Target
Batting first, the Orange Tigresses posted a challenging total of 144 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Disha Kasat led from the front with a superb innings of 69 runs off 54 balls, which included seven boundaries and three sixes, according to a press release.
Wicketkeeper-batter Riddhima Maradwar provided valuable support with a composed knock of 48 runs off 43 deliveries, helping the Tigresses build a solid platform. However, the NECO bowlers managed to keep the scoring under control and prevented the opposition from accelerating significantly in the final overs.
NECO's Steady Chase
In reply, the NECO Master Blaster Women chased down the target with two balls to spare, finishing at 147 for 6 in 19.4 overs. The foundation of the successful chase was laid by Shivani Dharne and Ashwini Deshmukh, who played mature innings under pressure. Dharne struck 52 runs off 46 balls, while Deshmukh contributed an equally important 51 runs from 46 deliveries. Their partnership ensured that NECO remained on course despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
The chase witnessed a late twist after both set batters were dismissed, but Arya Gohane produced a crucial cameo, smashing an unbeaten 24 runs off just 10 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Her aggressive international-type knock shifted the momentum decisively in NECO's favour and guided the team across the finish line.
For the Orange Tigresses, Janhvi Ranganathan impressed with the ball, claiming two key wickets, while the fielding unit also chipped in with important breakthroughs. However, NECO held their nerve in the closing stages to seal victory.
Final Showdown Awaits
With this win, the NECO Master Blaster Women advance to the VPL 2026 final, where they will face the India Warriors on Sunday in a bid to lift the coveted championship trophy.
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