As the sun rises over the historic city of Kolkata, the vibrant green outfield of Jadavpur University Complex readies itself for a riveting showdown in the second edition of the Bengal Women’s Pro T20 League. The much-anticipated Match 9 brings together the Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers and the Sobisco Smashers Malda, two squads hungry to climb the points table and announce their title ambitions.
Currently, the Kolkata Tigers find themselves in 6th place, still hunting for consistency, having split their first two matches with a resounding 8-wicket win against the Servotech Siliguri Strikers balanced by an equally decisive defeat to the Harbour Diamonds. Their rivals, the Smashers from Malda, are a rung above at 5th, also with two points and a parallel track: a thrilling 18-run triumph over Siliguri, followed by a tough 31-run loss to the formidable Shrachi Rarh Tigers.
With both teams locked at two points apiece, this contest is more than just a battle for early momentum; it’s an opportunity for young stars to shine, for seasoned hands to steady the ship, and for fans to witness the relentless spirit of women’s cricket in Bengal. As strategies are drawn and anticipation builds for this 9 AM IST faceoff, the stage is set for a match that promises intensity, skill, and a celebration of the growing legacy of the Bengal Women’s Pro T20 League.
Squads:
Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers Women’s Cricket Team
Ankita Mahanta, Koyel Sarkar, Prativa Mandi, Ritika Pal, Mita Paul, Priti Mahato, Puja Rajak, Sujata Dey, Tanuja Sarkar, Jhilik Das, Parna Paul, Debalina Samanta, Monika Mal, Salma Khatun, Sangita Dutta, Shreetama Mali
Sobisco Smashers Malda Women’s Cricket Team
Jhumia Khatun, Mamata Kisku, Radhika Kumari, Srabani Pal, Jeni Parveen, Nandini Biswas, Neha Shaw, Riya Kumari Mahato, Sanchita Adhikary, Sushmita Pal, Hrishita Basu, Roshni Tiwary, Aruna Barman, Rupa Dutta, Sneha Mahato, Sukanya Parida
Players to watch out:
Parna Paul
For the Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers, Parna Paul has emerged as a reliable contributor with the bat in the ongoing season. In her two innings so far, Parna has accumulated 34 runs, providing crucial momentum and stability at the crease, coming in at number 3 for her side. While she is yet to convert her starts into a big score, her composed approach and ability to anchor the innings have been vital for the Tigers. As the tournament progresses, Parna would be keen to build on her early performances and play a pivotal role in the Tigers’ campaign.
Mita Paul
Mita Paul has quietly become one of the key all-rounders for the Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers. With the bat, she has chipped in with 22 valuable runs across two innings, often stepping up when her team needed to steady the ship. But it’s her dual role that truly stands out, Mita has also made her mark with the ball, claiming a crucial wicket in her two outings so far. As the competition heats up, Mita Paul’s knack for making an impact, whether with a timely boundary or a breakthrough wicket, will be pivotal for Kolkata’s ambitions.
Suakanya Parida
Suakanya Parida has quickly established herself as a vital cog in the Sobisco Smashers Malda lineup during the second edition of the Bengal Women’s Pro T20 League. With 41 runs from her first two innings, Suakanya has provided her side with both stability and momentum at the crease. Her confident stroke play and ability to rotate the strike have laid solid foundations for the Smashers’ batting efforts, often setting the tone for the rest of the lineup.
Aruna Barman
Aruna Barman has quickly emerged as a standout performer with the ball for the Sobisco Smashers Malda. With three wickets from just two matches, Aruna is currently the second-highest wicket-taker for her side, consistently providing crucial breakthroughs when her team needs them most. Her sharp, disciplined bowling has not only put opposition batters under pressure but has also helped Malda maintain control during key phases of the game.
Pitch:
It is a balanced pitch, offering equal help for the pacers (26 wickets) as well as the spinners (28 wickets). However, the batters have to be mindful while assessing the match-winning total on this surface, as the average score is a mere 100 at this venue.
Weather:
The forecast predicts a hot and humid day, with temperatures reaching 32°C and humidity at 77%. There’s a significant 70% chance of heavy thunderstorms, which could lead to rain interruptions and challenging playing conditions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Hrishita Niladri Basu, Parna Paul, Jhumia Khatun, Mamata Kisku, Sukanya Parida, Mita Paul, Sushmita Paul, Priti Mahato, Monika Mal, Aruna Barman, Rupa Ashit Dutta
Match Details:
Date – June 16, 2025
Time – 9:00 AM IST
Venue – Jadavpur University Complex, Kolkata
Broadcast – All games will be telecast live on the Sports18 TV channel and the streaming is made available on Viacom18’s OTT platform, JioCinema.
