Supernovas vs Trailblazers 2018: Hits and Misses

It was a marquee day in the history of women's cricket. After years of pondering over the inception of women's IPL, it is safe to say that the tournament could probably be set for a beginning in the forthcoming years.

Today marked the beginning of progression towards a milestone in women's cricket as the Supernovas lead by the flamboyant Harmanpreet Kaur faced her countrywoman Smriti Mandhana who led the Trailblazers in a one-off T20 exhibition fixture at the Wankhede stadium.

Having won the toss, the Supernovas opted to field first and the Trailblazers only managed a mere 129 in 20 overs. In reply, the Supernovas started well but the loss of wickets in a flurry ensured that the game went down to the last ball to decide the winner and it was the Supernovas who clinched it by 3 wickets.

Let us take a look at Hits and Misses from the historic game:

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#5 Hit: Jemimah Rodrigues

Jemimah Rodrigues made her debut in the India Women's team last year on the back of strong performances in the Under-19 circuit. While she is still establishing herself in the International circuit, the teenager was included in the 13-player squad for the exhibition clash.

Well, the 17-year-old latched onto the opportunity and performed well under vital circumstances. The Trailblazers were reduced to 58-4 in 9 overs and Rodrigues along with Suzie Bates stitched a 45-run partnership to get her team back into the game.

#4 Miss: The top order of Trailblazers

Healy creamed the first ball of the match for a boundary but was dismissed soon after

It was regarded as a historic fixture and the team that batted first extemporaneously raised expectations of a good start to the game. However, that wasn't how the things turned out.

Alyssa Healy started the game with a boundary and skipper Mandhana added a couple of fours too before they were dismissed in quick succession. Healy, Mandhana, and even Australian wicketkeeper-batswoman Beth Mooney all were back to the hut in a span of 10 balls hence reducing Trailblazers to 26-3.

#3 Hit: Supernovas' scorch in the powerplay

Mithali Raj smashed the first six of the match.

The Supernovas were chasing a modest total of 130 runs and their opening duo of the veteran Mithali Raj and Danielle Wyatt gave them a flying start. The first three overs of the powerplay were quiet but the last three were thrashed for 11 runs apiece.

This consolidated a strong platform while chasing as the Supernovas ended up with 51 runs at the end of the powerplay at the loss of one wicket of Mithali Raj who smashed 3 fours and a six in her quickfire cameo of 22 runs. Wyatt, on the other hand, added 24 runs on the board which comprised 2 fours and a six.

#2 Miss: Smriti Mandhana

Mandhana fell for just 14 runs.

Undoubtedly she is one of the blazing cricketers of her generation and is already the vice-captain of the T20 format as well. At the age of 21, she has garnered plenty of fame and success.

Mandhana was selected to lead the Trailblazers in the exhibition match and expectations were high on the southpaw. She started the innings on an aggressive note as she struck 3 fours but was dismissed soon after as Harmanpreet Kaur caught a stunner.

She made just 14 runs and had she remained in the middle for a longer time, the Supernovas could have had a daunting total to chase down.

#1 Hit: Suzie Bates

Bates top-scored with 32 runs with the bat.

Suzie Bates is one of the finest women cricketers of this generation and on the landmark day, she made it count. Bates played at No. 3 and despite the regular loss of wickets, she held onto her end to anchor the Trailblazers' innings.

She top-scored in the game with 32 runs and also struck twice with the ball. She scalped the swashbuckling Harmanpreet Kaur and Sophie Devine while giving away only 16 runs in 3 overs. But Bates, unfortunately, ended up on the losing side. However, she was bagged Woman of the Match award for her overall contribution in the game.