Vaghela Stars as USA Women Post 146 and Rout Italy for 74
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The United States Women produced a disciplined all-round performance to secure a convincing 72-run victory over Italy Women in their ICC Women’s T20I Challenge Trophy clash at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium in Kigali on Friday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, the USA posted a competitive 146 for 6 from their 20 overs, built around a measured half-century from Player of the Match Isani Vaghela. Her 52 off 53 balls anchored the innings at a time when wickets fell intermittently, ensuring the Americans maintained a steady platform.
The innings began with early setbacks as Sainavi Kamabalapalli fell in the opening over, followed soon after by Nikhar Doshi, leaving the USA at 17 for 2 inside three overs. Chetna Pagydyala then steadied the innings with a composed 41 off 43 deliveries, rotating strike effectively while punishing loose balls with four boundaries.
Vaghela took on the responsibility of building through the middle overs, combining patience with timely aggression. Her knock included four boundaries and two sixes, helping the USA recover from early trouble and push toward a defendable total. However, Italy found success through Thilini Fernando, who was the standout bowler with impressive figures of 4 for 24, regularly breaking partnerships and keeping the scoring in check.
A late flourish from Aditi Chudasama, who struck an unbeaten 17 off just 9 balls, gave the USA crucial momentum at the death, lifting the total to 146 — a score that proved more than sufficient.
In response, Italy’s chase never truly gained traction. Maahi Madhavan struck in the opening over to remove Methnara Rathnayake for a duck, setting the tone for what became a relentless USA bowling display. Italy struggled to build partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals and slipping to 26 for 4 inside five overs.
Emma Moore offered the only significant resistance with a fighting 27 off 31 balls, including a pair of sixes. However, she found little support from the rest of the batting lineup as the USA bowlers maintained tight lines and sharp fielding pressure.
Ritu Singh was particularly effective, claiming 2 for 14 in her four overs, while Suhani Thadani and Sainavi Kamabalapalli also picked up two wickets apiece. Taranum Chopra chipped in with a wicket as Italy’s innings unraveled quickly.
The Italian side was eventually bowled out for just 74 in 16 overs, falling well short of the target and handing the USA a comprehensive victory.
This dominant performance underscores the USA Women’s growing confidence in the tournament, with both bat and ball contributing decisively. With players like Vaghela stepping up under pressure and a bowling unit firing collectively, the team continues to build momentum in the competition.
