In a heart-stopping inaugural match of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024, the Mumbai Indians triumphed over the Delhi Capitals in a nail-biting finish.
The match witnessed an exhilarating display of skill and determination from both sides, culminating in a last-ball six by debutant Sajeevan Sajana that sealed the victory for Mumbai Indians.
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The encounter began with the Delhi Capitals setting a formidable target of 171/5 after being put into bat. Alice Capsey's blistering knock of 75 runs off 53 balls propelled her team to a commanding position. However, Mumbai Indians showcased their resilience during the chase, with Yastika Bhatia and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur delivering crucial half-centuries to keep their side in contention.
As the match approached its climax, the tension in the stadium was palpable. With Mumbai Indians needing five runs off the final delivery, all eyes were on Sajeevan Sajana, who was making her debut in the WPL. In a moment of sheer brilliance, Sajana smashed the ball over the boundary rope, clinching victory for her team and etching her name in the annals of WPL history.
The result was not what we hoped for but what a finish by Sajju the debutant!
Comes from a humble background, lost almost everything in the Kerala floods, walks in when the team requires 1 ball 5 runs and hits an effortless six!
What a story and more over what a player! 🙌🏻 https://t.co/GFed06yrO2 — Jemimah Rodrigues (@JemiRodrigues) February 23, 2024
Who is Sajeevan Sajana?
Amidst the glitz and glamour, it was Sajeevan Sajana's remarkable journey that captured the spotlight. Born on January 4, 1995, in the picturesque town of Mananthavadi, Wayanad, Kerala, Sajana's journey is a testament to perseverance and unwavering determination.
Hailing from the Kurichiya tribe in Wayanad, Kerala, Sajana defied all odds to realize her dream of playing professional cricket. Growing up in a modest household, Sajana witnessed her father toil as a rickshaw driver to make ends meet. However, her passion for cricket knew no bounds, and she honed her skills on the dusty streets of her hometown.
“When I was doing my higher secondary education in the Government Vocational Higher Secondary School Mananthavady, there was a sporting event called cricket ball throwing. I was good at that and my physical education teacher, Elsamma, asked me to try cricket. Then only did I become aware there were women cricketers, and we can play it district-wise and state-wise, and we can also play for India,” she told The New Minute.
Blessed with a natural talent for the game, Sajana excelled in both right-arm off-break bowling and right-handed batting, setting the stage for a promising cricketing career. The devastating Kerala floods put her in dire straits but the player kept to her task.
Sajana started playing district cricket in 2012 and earned Rs 150 a day. However, that meagre amount was enough to keep her motivated for greater heights.
Following in the footsteps of her Kerala teammate Minnu Mani, Sajana became the second cricketer from her tribe to grace the Women's Premier League (WPL) platform. Her journey serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers from marginalized backgrounds, showcasing the transformative power of sports.
Sajana's journey to WPL stardom was marked by notable achievements and stellar performances. She made her presence felt on the cricketing scene by leading Kerala's under-23 team to victory in the Twenty-20 Super League in 2019. Her standout performances in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy 2023, where she amassed 134 runs and claimed 6 wickets, garnered attention and underscored her potential as a rising star in Indian cricket.
Mumbai Indians secured her services for INR 15 lakhs at the auction, a testament to her talent and potential. At 29 years old, Sajana views the WPL as a stepping stone to realize her dreams of representing the senior Indian cricket team.