WPL Review: Amelia, Hayley star in Mumbai Indians’ win over UP Warriorz

Mumbai Indians Women secured a six-wicket win over UP Warriorz Women in Match 16 of the Women’s Premier League 2025 at the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

The hosts got off to a positive start, scoring 50 off the first six overs. Georgia Voll was looking quite good during her stay at the crease. She had even welcomed Amelia Kerr with three boundaries off as many deliveries. Grace Harris tried breaking the shackles but was dismissed by Hayley Matthews in her first over. A change of ends was what brought Kerr her first wicket of the evening.

The second half of UP’s innings was dominated by Mumbai and, in particular, Kerr. Voll departed shortly after registering her maiden half-century. A few sedate overs resulted in the Kiwi striking with a double-wicket over. Sophie Ecclestone was the last person to depart, that too on the final delivery of the innings. Kerr ended up registering her maiden five-wicket haul in the 20-over format.

Coming to the run chase, Mumbai also scored the same number of runs their opponent had scored in their powerplay. Nat Sciver-Brunt joined hands with Matthews to navigate proceedings in the middle. Matthews brought up her fifty in the 11th over. Both the batters departed in consecutive overs. With 23 needed off 36 deliveries, the balance still seemed to be tilted towards Mumbai.

However, a few tight overs post Matthews departing for 68, in addition to Harmanpreet Kaur departing for four, made for an intriguing finish. Amanjot Kaur and Yastika Bhatia led their side to a comfortable victory in the end. Mumbai chased the target with nine deliveries to spare. The victory marked Mumbai’s fourth win.

Best Performers of the match

Hayley Matthews (68 off 46)

The top-order batters’ love affair with UP-W continued. After an anchoring 59-run knock the previous month, she blasted her way to yet another fifty. Matthews’ knock comprised eight fours and two sixes.

Amelia Kerr (5/38 in four overs)

Kerr returned superbly well from her first over to secure her first five-wicket in 20-over cricket. The wickets she scalped at regular intervals never really let UP drift away with the game.

What’s next for both sides?

UP will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women on Saturday, March 8 to conclude the Lucknow leg of the tournament. Meanwhile, Mumbai will host Gujarat Giants Women on Monday, March 10 in Mumbai. Both the games are scheduled to commence at 7:30 pm (IST).