WPL auction unsold Tanisha Singh helps Delhi rewrite women’s T20 records

Tanisha Singh made a statement on the field just a day after going unsold in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction, smashing a breathtaking 119 off 47 balls to help Delhi set a world record for the highest total in domestic women’s T20 cricket on Thursday.

Delhi posted 262 for 6 against Hyderabad in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy before restricting their opponents to 154 for 8 to seal a commanding 108-run victory.

The 23-year-old had entered the WPL auction with a base price of Rs 10 lakh but was not among the 27 players of the selected franchises. However, her explosive performance could put her back on teams’ radar if they require an injury replacement during the tournament.

TANISHA LEADS RECORD CHARGE

Tanisha put on a stunning display of power hitting and brought up her century in just 38 balls. Her knock featured 25 fours and a six as she dismantled the Hyderabad bowling attack and chased Delhi to an unprecedented total.

Delhi’s 262 for 6 surpassed the previous record for the highest innings total in women’s domestic T20 cricket set by Goa, who scored 257 for 2 against Arunachal Pradesh in the 2019-20 season.

The total is also the 11th highest overall in women’s T20 cricket, with the top 10 scores coming from women’s T20 internationals.

Tanisha’s 38-mile century is the joint third-fastest hundred in women’s T20 cricket. Only Kiran Navgire, who reached the milestone in 34 balls, and Sophie Devine, who did so in 36, scored a quicker century. Tanisha shares the record with Deandra Dottin who also scored a 38-ball hundred against South Africa in 2010.

DELHI PARTNERSHIP FORCES

Tanisha found an able partner in Priya Punia, India’s out-of-favour international, as the pair stitched together a 160-run stand for the second wicket in just 66 balls. Their partnership provided the foundation for Delhi’s record total, kept the scoring rate high and put Hyderabad under sustained pressure.

Tanisha attacked from the top of the order and Punia provided support. Delhi maintained the momentum throughout the innings and broke the previous home record.

HYDERABAD SHORT

Chasing a daunting target of 263, Hyderabad needed extraordinary batting to stay in contention but could only manage 154 for 8, losing by 108 runs.

Sumiti Soni led Delhi’s bowling effort with three wickets in 28 runs, ensuring Hyderabad could not mount a serious challenge despite a promising start to the chase.

The win capped off a memorable outing for Delhi, who combined a record-breaking batting performance with a spectacular bowling display. Tanisha’s innings offered a timely reminder of her abilities, coming immediately after missing out on a WPL contract.

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