Delhi women’s cricket team created history at the IS Bindra Cricket Stadium by lifting their second Senior Women’s One Day Trophy Elite crown, defeating defending champions Railways women’s cricket team by seven wickets in the 2025-26 final.
The triumph ended a 14-year title drought dating back to their 2011/12 success. Delhi dismantled Railways for 133 in 44.2 overs at a run rate of 3.0 before completing the chase in just 28.3 overs at 4.7 runs per over, sealing victory with 129 deliveries remaining. The comprehensive display triggered celebrations within the Delhi & District Cricket Association, where Secretary Ashok Sharma hailed the achievement as the outcome of sustained grassroots work and a developing pool of talent.
Clinical display with bat and ball
Delhi’s bowlers laid the platform by containing Railways’ traditionally strong batting unit from the outset. In response, Priya Punia (76 off 90) and Pragya Rawat (46 off 56) stitched together a commanding 74-run opening stand in 14 overs, setting the tone for the chase.
Although veteran leg-spinner Poonam Yadav returned figures of 2/29, Delhi closed on 134/3 to secure the trophy. With this win, they became only the second side after Railways to claim the title more than once.
“It’s been many years” – Sharma reflects
Speaking to IANS at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Sharma expressed pride in the long-awaited achievement.
“Look, we are very happy. It’s been many years since we have had this happy occasion in Delhi. Our girls have made us proud in the whole of India,” he said.
He connected the senior success to recent achievements at the age-group level.
“The base for this was laid last year because last year we were U23 (T20) champions. Before that, we were U23 runners-up. So those same girls have come in the third year and made us national champions. It’s a very happy thing because the women’s cricket team will help build a great reputation and bright future outlook for DDCA.”
Investment and long-term vision
Sharma also highlighted the developmental roadmap driven by DDCA President Rohan Jaitley, including the introduction of a 42-team girls’ league and matching the cash rewards offered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
“In the coming time, we will see even better cricketers here. We started the preparation for the girls’ team last year through a tournament with 42 teams. It was DDCA President Rohan Jaitley’s roadmap to start the girls’ league that was a big help in this. Plus, Rohan Jaitley announced that the cash prize that the BCCI will give, DDCA will also give the same amount.”
He pointed to Delhi’s steady representation at national level and praised the squad’s collective effort.
“All these girls are the ones who have been performing in Delhi for the last three years, and the motivation was always there since the start. Delhi has always been in the national team in any form, be it in the form of bowlers or batters. Delhi’s representation has always been there in the BCCI tournaments. Our combined team’s performance among the boys was not so good. The team wins because of the combined effects, and the girls have done that. They have been good for the last three years.”
Coaching staff lauded
Sharma credited head coach Deepti Dhyani and assistants Gautam Vadhera (batting), Ashish Malhotra (bowling), and Mandeep Kaur (fielding) for guiding the group from U23 success to senior glory.
“I want to give the biggest credit to the coach. When he was in the U23, he made them champions. Today, he promoted them to winning the senior one-day trophy. I want to thank the coaching staff who have been working hard for the last three years. The result of that hard work has come out today. It is a happy atmosphere in the DDCA, as the trophy has come after so many years and the women have raised our honour.”
The victory marks a significant chapter for Delhi women’s cricket, built on youth development, structured planning, and consistent institutional backing, as they challenge the long-standing dominance of Railways.
