Railways Women booked their place in the final of the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy Elite with a composed 27-run win over a determined Chhattisgarh in the second semi-final.
The contest, held at the Ropar Cricket Ground on February 25, 2026, saw the defending giants compile 173/8 from their 50 overs. In response, Chhattisgarh battled throughout but were dismissed for 146 in 49.5 overs. Ultimately, Railways’ experience in crucial moments proved decisive against a side pushing for a landmark result.
Goplani and Goel Steady the Innings
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Railways endured a shaky start, slipping to 37/4. With early wickets putting them under pressure, Bhavana Goplani took charge of the recovery. She produced a crucial 65 off 68 balls, guiding the innings with calm assurance and providing the foundation for the eventual total. Her knock ensured Railways maintained a run rate of 3.46 despite disciplined bowling from Chhattisgarh.
Arushi Goel also played a significant role, crafting 51 from 103 deliveries to stabilise the innings. Minnu Mani (18), Shipra Giri (17), and Dayalan Hemalatha (11) contributed useful runs to push the total to 173/8 by the end of 50 overs.
For Chhattisgarh, Mahak Narwase stood out with the ball, returning figures of 3/26 from her 10 overs to keep the opposition in check. Urmila Harina, Tarannum Pathan, and Aditi Pawar claimed a wicket apiece.
Poonam Yadav Turns the Game
Set 174 to secure a place in the final, Chhattisgarh required a steady platform but found scoring difficult against a controlled Railways attack. Neha Badwaik led the resistance with 38, attempting to anchor the chase as wickets continued to fall. Opener Mahak Narwase added 35 from 93 balls in testing conditions.
Shivani Krishna (15) and Priti Yadav (15) offered support down the order, and Chhattisgarh pushed the contest into the final over. However, the pressure of the semi-final chase proved telling.
The defining moment came with the introduction of veteran leg-spinner Poonam Yadav. She shifted the momentum by breaking through the middle order and finished with 3/28. Backed by sharp fielding, Railways ensured Chhattisgarh never produced the decisive over required to swing the game.
Chhattisgarh were eventually bowled out for 146 with one ball remaining, falling 27 runs short. Railways’ successful defence of a sub-200 total underlined their pedigree in the competition. Bhavana Goplani, whose half-century anchored the innings, was named Player of the Match.
Railways now advance to the final against Delhi with confidence, while Chhattisgarh conclude their campaign after a spirited showing in the semi-final.
