Pujitha's Hat-Trick Heroics Power Amaravati e-Champions to Thrilling WAPL Victory

In a nail-biting finish at the Women's Andhra Premier League (WAPL), Amaravati e-Champions clinched a dramatic seven-run victory over Rayalaseema Zen Stars, largely thanks to a sensational hat-trick from bowler Pujitha. Defending a total of 163, Pujitha game-changing spell in the 15th over sparked a crucial collapse for the chasing side, earning her the Player of the Match honors. This thrilling win marks Amaravati e-Champions' second consecutive victory in the inaugural season of the league. The Women's Andhra Premier League, which commenced on September 19, 2026, at the ACA International Cricket Stadium in Mangalagiri, is more than just a tournament; it's a dedicated platform to unearth and nurture young female cricket talent from Andhra Pradesh. Organized by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), the league aims to strengthen the state's women's cricket ecosystem, with former India captain Mithali Raj serving as its influential brand ambassador. This initiative reflects the broader push to grow women's cricket across India, providing crucial exposure for emerging players. As the WAPL inaugural edition continues until September 27, 2026, all eyes will be on how these emerging stars perform, with the league designed to create a clear pathway for players to potentially advance to the national Women's Premier League (WPL) or even the Indian national team. With four franchises battling it out over 13 matches, the tournament promises more exciting cricket, offering a vital stepping stone for women cricketers from Andhra Pradesh to shine on bigger stages.