In a heart-stopping opener at the WPL 2024, Sajeevan Sajana turned hero for Mumbai Indians on debut, smashing a six off the final ball in a nail-biting victory against Delhi Capitals.
The match, held at the illustrious M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, witnessed dramatic scenes as Mumbai Indians commenced their title defense with a riveting four-wicket win.
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Sajeevan Sajana shines on debut
Amidst the adrenaline-pumping action, it was Kerala's Sajeevan Sajana, making her WPL debut, who emerged as the hero of the night.
With the Capitals setting a formidable target of 172 runs, Mumbai Indians found themselves in a precarious position early on, losing opener Hayley Matthews for a mere two-ball duck to Marizanne Kapp. However, spearheaded by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Yastika Bhatia, who both notched up impressive half-centuries, MI crawled back into the game.
𝙐𝙉𝘽𝙀𝙇𝙄𝙀𝙑𝘼𝘽𝙇𝙀!
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 23, 2024
5 off 1 needed and S Sajana seals the game with a MAXIMUM very first ball🤯💥
A final-over thriller in the very first game of #TATAWPL Season 1 🤩🔥
Scorecard 💻📱 https://t.co/GYk8lnVpA8#TATAWPL | #MIvDC pic.twitter.com/Lb6WUzeya0
But with Harmanpreet gone in the final over and penultimate ball, it was Sajana's spectacular last-ball six that made headlines and etched her name in the annals of WPL history. With five runs needed off the final delivery, the pressure was palpable, but Sajana remained unfazed, showcasing nerves of steel as she dispatched spinner Alice Capsey's delivery over long-on, igniting celebrations among her teammates and fans alike.
However, behind this breathtaking moment lies a tale of perseverance and dedication. Hailing from the quaint town of Mananthavadi, Wayanad, Kerala, Sajeevan Sajana's journey to the upper echelons of cricketing glory is nothing short of inspirational.
Born into humble beginnings, where her father worked as a rickshaw driver, Sajana encountered numerous hurdles along her path to cricketing stardom. Fueled by passion and fueled by the strong support of her family, Sajana defied the odds, and made a name.
Representing teams from Kerala, South Zone, and India A, Sajana's talent shone brightly, catching the attention of scouts during the WPL 2024 auction. Mumbai Indians secured her services for a staggering Rs 15 lakhs, a testament to her burgeoning potential and exceptional skill set.
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At 29 years old, Sajana epitomizes resilience and tenacity, attributes honed through years of dedication and hard work.
Her meteoric rise from leading Kerala's under-23 team to clinching titles in prestigious tournaments underscores her unwavering commitment to excellence. In the Senior Women's T20 Trophy 2023, Sajana's stellar performance—scoring 134 runs and claiming six wickets—served as a reminder of her talent.

As Sajana basks in the glory of her match-winning heroics, her eyes are set on a loftier goal—to don the coveted blue jersey of the Indian senior team. With her Kerala teammate Minnu Mani blazing a trail of success, Sajana is poised to follow suit, but it will take more than a one-ball fame to achieve that dream.
Sajeevan Sajana's journey from adversity to a sensational debut in the WPL promises much, and makes her one of the players to watch out for in the remainder of the season.