Patiala, August 29:
The Punjab Cricket Association’s Punjab Queens T20 Cup, organised to promote and encourage women’s cricket, concluded on a grand note at the Dhruv Pandove Cricket Stadium in Patiala. Malwa Mail emerged champions of the four-team tournament after defeating Puadh Express by three wickets in the final.
Two other teams, Majha Brigade and Doaba Titans, also participated in the tournament.
Following the final, AAP General Secretary and State Media In-charge Baltej Singh Pannu presented the awards to the winning players. Malwa Mail received the championship trophy along with a cash prize of ₹2 lakh, while runners-up Puadh Express were presented with a trophy and ₹1 lakh in prize money.
In the final, Puadh Express won the toss and elected to bat first. The team was bowled out for 88 runs in 19.2 overs, with Ankita Pathak top-scoring with 22 runs. Alisha Mehta was the standout bowler for Malwa Mail, claiming four wickets.
Chasing 89, Malwa Mail reached the target in 18 overs for the loss of three wickets. Avneet Kaur Sandhu scored 34 runs, while Harsimrat Kaur contributed 28 runs.
Individual awards were also presented during the closing ceremony. Kanika Ahuja was named Best Batter after scoring 287 runs in seven matches, while Mannat Kashyap was adjudged Best Bowler for taking 14 wickets in seven matches. Alisha Mehta received the Player of the Final award for her outstanding performance.
Congratulating the winning players, Baltej Singh Pannu said that girls are making remarkable progress in every field. He said the Punjab Government is providing more opportunities for girls to excel in sports. He also congratulated the Punjab Cricket Association for successfully organising the tournament.
Former Indian cricketer and Punjab Cricket Association office-bearers/associates Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Barinder Singh Saran and Bhupinder Singh Junior were also present on the occasion.
