Rameen, Sidra shine as Stars scoop One-Day title in style

RAWALPINDI: A magnificent knock by captain Sidra Amin (77 off 84 balls) and a stellar all-round performance by Rameen Shamim (37 not out and 2 wickets) helped Stars clinch the National Women’s One-Day Tournament trophy along with Rs1.5 million cash as they recorded five-wicket victory over Conquerors in the final here at the Pindi Stadium Sunday.

Electing to bat first, Conquerors posted a respectable 178-9 in 45 overs. Hafsa Khalid top-scored with a gritty 47, supported by Dua Majid (40). Stars bowling attack, led by Waheeda Akhtar (3-33), combined pace and spin effectively, with Rameen Shamim (2-38), Tuba Hassan (2-42) and Neelam Mushtaq (1-26) playing the crucial roles.

In response, Stars chased down the target in 43.2 overs, powered by a crucial 103 runs fifth-wicket partnership between skipper Sidra Amin and Rameen Shamim. Late fireworks from Tuba Hassan (12 not out) sealed the victory in style.

Skipper Sidra and Rameen knitted a 103-run partnership for the fifth wicket, while Tuba Hassan’s (12 not out, four balls, 3x4s) three boundaries in the 43rd over made sure Stars get a comfortable win.

Sidra was adjudged Player of the Match for her decisive innings. Omaima Sohail of Invincibles shone throughout the tournament, earning the Player of the Tournament title with 253 runs and 13 wickets.

Other awards included Best Batter: Aliya Riaz (382 runs in 8 matches, Challengers); Best Bowler: Rameen Shamim (20 wickets in 9 matches, Stars) and Best Wicketkeeper: Muneeba Ali (12 dismissals, Invincibles).

Scores in brief:

Stars beat Conquerors by five wickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Conquerors 178-9, 45 overs (Hafsa Khalid 47, Dua Majid 40, Saira Jabeen 32, Najiha Alvi 23, Fatima Sana 20; Waheeda Akhtar 3-33, Rameen Shamim 2-38, Tuba Hassan 2-42) Stars 179-5, 43.2 overs (Sidra Amin 77, Rameen Shamim 37 not out, Sadaf Shamas 22; Nashra Sundhu 2-26)

Player of the match: Sidra Amin (Stars)

Best Wicket-keeper of the Tournament – Muneeba Ali (Invincibles) (12 dismissals)

Best Batter of the Tournament: Aliya Riaz (Challengers) (382 runs, eight matches)

Best Bowler of the tournament: Rameen Shamim (Stars) (20 wickets, nine matches)

Player of the Tournament: Omaima Sohail (Invincibles) (253 runs, 13 wickets, eight matches).