Janhvi Kate spins a web as Blasters blow away Unicorns

Janhvi Kate at Wankhede yesterday. Pic/Ashish Raje

Janhvi Kate's 3-9 set Mumbai Blasters up perfectly for their first win in the women's T20 President Cup against Mumbai Unicorns by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

Opting to bat, the Unicorns were bowled out for just 89 thanks mainly to the Blasters' two off-spinners, Janhvi and Himaja Patil (2-13), who did not let any batter settle at the crease. Openers Charushree Todankar (13) and Aachal Valanju (12) registered the highest partnership of 24 for the Unicorns.

In reply, the Blasters achieved the target in 17.2 overs as openers Tanisha Gaikwad (28 off 23) and Riya Chaudhari (18 off 20) stamped their authority on the proceedings with fluent drives, sweeps and cut shots, for a 54-run stand. The Blasters then lost three wickets for no runs in the eighth over off Samruddhi Rawool (2-12) before Hurley Gala (20 not out off 23) ensured there was no further damage and eventually finished the match with a boundary through covers.

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"Though it was largely a batting pitch, there was some spin on offer, so I just tried to keep it simple, keep my rhythm and finish well," Player-of-the-Match Janhvi told mid-day.