South Delhi Superstarz made a strong start to their campaign in the Women's Delhi Premier League (DPL) after defeating Central Delhi Queens by 29 runs in the first match of the tournament at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday.

Batting first, the defending champions posted a competitive total of 156/5 after recovering from an initial scare. Nishika Singh and Tanisha Singh remained unbeaten on 53 and 52 respectively as they added a vital stand for the fourth wicket.

Nishika and Tanisha power South Delhi Superstarz to a competitive total

South Delhi Superstarz lost the first two wickets in the innings and were asking for help as they were placed on the back foot.

Nishika and Tanisha steadied the innings as a wonderful stand of 82 came for the third wicket.

The two batsmen continued to add on the runs as they constantly took the attack to the Central Delhi bowlers.

Nishika was eventually out, and with the fall of the first wicket, South Delhi Superstarz lost three more wickets in the innings but still managed to post 156/5 from their 20 overs.

Sumiti Soni stood out as the best bowler for Central Delhi Queens as she picked up two wickets in the four overs she bowled, giving away just 13 runs.

Medhavi Bidhuri also picked up two wickets but conceded 24 runs.

Chasing 157 to win the match, Central Delhi got off to a bad start as they were reduced to 31/3. Monika and Nidhi Mahto got things going for the Queens as they provided some much-needed stability for the innings.

The two put on a stand of 65 runs for the fourth wicket before Monika was out for a good 30 off just 19 balls. Mahto remained at the crease as she played a vital hand in the innings, reaching a well-deserved half-century.

Mahto had the chance to change the game, but she failed to get the required support from her partners as the required run rate kept on increasing.

She eventually fell for a magnificent 63 off 55 that proved to be a match-winning knock.

Central Delhi Queens eventually finished up at 127/7 from their 20 overs as they failed to chase down the target.

Mayuri Singh stood out as the best bowler for South Delhi Superstarz as she bowled a brilliant spell of 2/15 from her four overs. In addition, the South Delhi Superstarz were clinical in the way they batted down the order as they saw off their first-ever match as reigning champions.