WPL 2024, MI vs UPW: In a compelling encounter in the Women’s Premier League, Mumbai Indians extracted sweet revenge as they secured a convincing 42-run victory over UP Warriorz on Thursday. The win elevated Mumbai Indians to the second spot on the WPL points table, just behind Delhi Capitals, with only net run rate differentiating the two teams.
Mumbai Indians set the stage for their triumph by posting a competitive total of 160 for 6, thanks to the impactful performances of Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amelia Kerr, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The trio’s contributions with the bat laid a solid foundation for Mumbai Indians, and they followed it up with effective leadership during the defense.
In response, UP Warriorz faced early setbacks in their chase, losing three wickets within the first 25 balls. Despite a valiant effort from Deepti Sharma, who remained unbeaten with a half-century, the top order faltered, and the task became insurmountable after Alyssa Healy, Kiran Navgire, and Chamari Athapaththu managed just 13 runs collectively.
WPL 2024, MI vs UPW: Captain; Vice Captain take charge in desperate times
Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur emerged as the heroes for Mumbai Indians. Athapaththu initially challenged Mumbai’s decision to bat first by dismissing openers Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia early on. However, a crucial partnership between Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet steadied the ship. Sciver-Brunt showcased her skills against spin, aiding Mumbai to reach 37 for 2 at the end of the powerplay.
The partnership continued to flourish, with Sciver-Brunt finding boundaries consistently, even as Harmanpreet struggled for fluency. Saima Thakor’s introduction into the attack provided the breakthrough Harmanpreet needed, and Mumbai Indians added 59 runs for the third wicket. Importantly, they maintained momentum by hitting boundaries early in most overs they faced.
The late-order duo of Kerr and S Sajana proved instrumental in adding finishing touches to Mumbai Indians’ innings. Despite a brief wobble, losing three wickets in 27 balls, Kerr and Sajana ensured a challenging total with a partnership worth 43 runs off 26 balls.
Chasing 161, UP Warriorz found the Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack formidable. Saika Ishaque, picking up two early wickets, set the tone for the defense. Harmanpreet strategically utilized the pace duo of Ishaque and Shabnim Ismail, creating pressure on the Warriorz top order. Ismail’s delivery, clocking at 124kph, produced a sensational yorker that rattled Alyssa Healy’s stumps.
The bowling combination of Ismail and Matthews restricted UP Warriorz to a mere 18 runs in six consecutive overs. Saika Ishaque, who started WPL 2024 with three wicketless outings, bounced back with a remarkable three-wicket haul, further asserting Mumbai Indians’ dominance.
In the end, Mumbai Indians’ all-round performance, led by Nat Sciver-Brunt’s impactful contributions with both bat and ball, sealed a convincing victory and marked a sweet revenge against UP Warriorz. The win propelled Mumbai Indians to the second position on the WPL points table, setting the stage for an intriguing battle in the upcoming matches.
Also read: Mumbai Indians Top Sponsors in IPL 2024
Thank you for reading.
