New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) Waiting for fourteen years to secure a trophy can feel like an eternity, but Delhi was resolute in its quest to break that long-standing drought. They delivered an impressive performance by dismissing a strong Railways team for just 132 runs in the final of the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. Delhi then effortlessly chased down the target, achieving victory in under 29 overs with seven wickets in hand, and 21.3 overs to spare.

As opener Priya Punia struck a commanding 76 runs off 90 balls, complimented by Parunika Sisodia's remarkable three wickets, the trophy was already within their grasp. 'We are absolutely thrilled. It has been many years since we have celebrated such success in Delhi. Our girls have made us proud throughout India. The foundation for this achievement was established last year when we became U23 (T20) champions, following a runner-up finish in the U23 category,' expressed a delighted Ashok Sharma, DDCA Secretary, when speaking to IANS at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.

This marks Delhi's first championship win since 2011/12, and the victory was executed with a decisiveness that left no room for doubt. When Pragya Rawat hit the winning runs alongside Punia, Delhi became only the second team in the tournament's history, following Railways, to win the trophy more than once. Sharma remarked that the future looks promising for the women's talent pool, as the association's investments are yielding significant results.

'In the near future, we expect to see even more exceptional cricketers emerging. We initiated preparations for the girls' team last year through a tournament featuring 42 teams. It was DDCA President Rohan Jaitley's vision to establish a girls' league that played a crucial role in this success. Additionally, Rohan Jaitley has announced that the cash prize from BCCI will be matched by DDCA.

'All of these girls have been showcasing their potential in Delhi for the past three years, and the motivation has always been present. Delhi has consistently represented in the national team across all formats, whether in bowling or batting. Our combined team's performance among the boys has been less than optimal.

‘However, if we examine individual performances, two boys have emerged as top contenders from Delhi - Ayush Doseja and another opener (Sanat Sangwan). Both are currently leading the charts in the Ranji Trophy. Team success comes from collective efforts, and the girls have exemplified that. They have excelled over the past three years,' he stated.

He also praised the coaching team, led by Deepti Dhyani, along with assistant coaches Gautam Vadhera (batting), Ashish Malhotra (bowling), and Mandeep Kaur (fielding), for their contributions in securing the trophy for New Delhi.

'I want to extend my utmost gratitude to the coach. He cultivated these players during their U23 phase and has now guided them to win the senior one-day trophy. I appreciate the coaching staff for their relentless efforts over the past three years. The fruits of that labor are evident today. It’s a joyous atmosphere in the DDCA, as this trophy has been elusive for so many years, and our women have restored our honor.'

Sharma confirmed that the celebrations will be fitting for the Soni Yadav-led team. 'Certainly, we will honor them. The President has announced it—double the prize money. We will match the board's contribution as closely as possible. They have verbally mentioned 50 lakhs, and we will do our best to enhance the rewards for our women's team. What more can I express? There are truly no words for these girls who have elevated the DDCA's honor to great heights.'