NECO Master Blaster Women punched their ticket to the Vidarbha Women's Premier League (VPL) 2026 final on 14 June, defeating Orange Tigresses by four wickets in a tense Eliminator at VCA Civil Lines Ground, Nagpur. Chasing 145, NECO crossed the line with just two balls to spare, finishing at 147/6 in 19.4 overs.

Orange Tigresses Set a Competitive Target

Batting first, Orange Tigresses posted 144/4 in 20 overs, built around a commanding knock from captain Disha Kasat, who struck 69 off 54 balls — laced with seven boundaries and three sixes. Wicketkeeper-batter Riddhima Maradwar provided solid support with 48 off 43 balls, the pair laying a platform that looked imposing under Eliminator pressure. NECO's bowlers, however, kept a lid on the scoring in the final overs, denying Orange Tigresses the acceleration they sought.

Dharne and Deshmukh Anchor the Chase

NECO's reply was anchored by Shivani Dharne and Ashwini Deshmukh, both of whom delivered composed, match-defining performances. Dharne scored 52 off 46 balls while Deshmukh contributed 51 off 46 deliveries, their partnership keeping the run-rate in check despite a steady fall of wickets. The pair's ability to absorb pressure without sacrificing intent was the cornerstone of NECO's chase.

Arya Gohane's Cameo Seals the Deal

With both set batters dismissed and nerves fraying in the dugout, Arya Gohane delivered a match-winning cameo — an unbeaten 24 off just 10 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Her aggressive, clear-minded hitting in the final overs swung the momentum decisively in NECO's favour and rendered the target achievable with deliveries to spare. For Orange Tigresses, Janhvi Ranganathan picked up two key wickets and the fielding unit chipped in with important breakthroughs, but it was not enough to halt NECO's march.

Owner Anand Jayaswal Praises the Team

Team owner Anand Jayaswal did not hold back his admiration after the victory. 'Superb. It's a very good feeling. Last year, didn't go our way but this year they are dominating on the field. We are very happy and proud of the way they are playing, whether it is batting, bowling, or fielding,' he said. The remarks underline a marked improvement in NECO's campaign compared to the previous edition.

Road to the VPL 2026 Final

With this victory, NECO Master Blaster Women advance to the VPL 2026 final, scheduled for Sunday, where they will face India Warriors for the championship trophy. The team's run through the tournament has been marked by collective batting depth, disciplined bowling, and composure in pressure situations — qualities that will be tested once more in the decider.