WPL: Mumbai continue their winning ways as they beat Gujarat by 5 wickets
Gujarat Giants Women faced Mumbai Indians Women at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru In the third match of the Women’s Premier League 2024.
Mumbai Indians Women won the toss and opted to bowl first. Batting first, the Gujarat Giants faced a tough challenge, managing to post a total of 126-9 in their allotted 20 overs. None of their top-order batters made substantial contributions, with Captain Mooney scoring 24 runs. Apart from her, no other top-order player could surpass the ten-run mark.
A late surge by the lower order, led by Kathryn Bryce and Tanuja Kanwar, provided some support to the team’s total as they contributed 25 and 28 runs, respectively, pushing the Giants to a somewhat respectable score on the board.
In the bowling department, Mumbai’s Amelia Kerr and Shabnim Ismail shone brightly, collectively capturing seven wickets. Kerr claimed four wickets, while Ismail took three, playing a crucial role in containing the Giants’ batting lineup.
In pursuit of the target, Mumbai also suffered two quick dismissals as openers Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews fell early. However, the experienced duo of captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt took charge of the game to ensure a smooth chase.
Although Sciver was run out after scoring 22, the standout all-rounder Amelia Kerr joined forces with Captain Kaur to guide the Mumbai Indians to their second victory of the tournament comfortably. Kaur and Kerr scored 46 not out and 31 runs, respectively, contributing to Mumbai’s five-wicket win.
Top Performers of the Match
Harmanpreet Kaur (46 of 40)
Star batter, Harmanpreet Kaur, once again showcased her experience in batting as the game appeared challenging to chase after the initial two wickets fell. However, her brilliant leadership and responsible batting ensured Mumbai Indians secured their second win. She emerged as the top batter of the match, scoring 46 off 40 balls.
Amelia Kerr (4/17, 4 overs)
Star leg-spin all-rounder from New Zealand, Amelia Kerr, showcased her array of skills and perplexed the Gujarat batters with her exceptional flight and variations in bowling. Her googly proved too challenging for the Gujarat batsmen to handle, as she emerged as the hero with the ball, claiming a four-wicket haul.
What next?
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women will face Gujarat Giants on February 27 at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, while MI Women are scheduled to play UP Warriorz at the same venue on February 28.
