The defending champions, Mumbai Indians, continued their winning streak in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) by defeating Gujarat Giants by five wickets in a thrilling encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This win marks their second consecutive victory in the tournament.
MI’s Stellar Bowling Performance Restricts GG to 126/9
Electing to field first, Mumbai Indians displayed exceptional bowling prowess, restricting Gujarat Giants to a modest total of 126/9. The fiery pace attack, led by Shabnim Ismail (3/18) and the versatile Amelia Kerr (4/17), rattled the GG batting order, claiming crucial wickets at regular intervals.
Ismail got off to a flying start, dismissing both openers – Veda Krishnamurthy and Harleen Deol – early in her spell. Nat Sciver-Brunt joined the party, removing Phoebe Litchfield, while Hayley Matthews accounted for Dayalan Hemalatha.
Harmanpreet Kaur introduced spin early, and Kerr proved her mettle, picking up two crucial wickets in the same over, dismissing the dangerous Ashleigh Gardner and Sneh Rana. Despite a late fightback from Tanuja Kanwar (28 off 21) and Kathryn Bryce (25 off 24), GG couldn’t manage a strong total.
MI Chase Down Target with Composed Batting
Chasing a moderate target of 127, Mumbai Indians faced some early hiccups, losing their openers, Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews, within the first four overs. However, the experienced duo of Harmanpreet Kaur (46* off 41) and Amelia Kerr (31 off 25) steadied the ship with a crucial partnership of 66 runs.
Kaur displayed her leadership qualities, playing sensibly and anchoring the chase. Kerr provided valuable support with some well-timed boundaries. Lea Tahuhu provided GG with a glimmer of hope by dismissing Kerr, but Kaur remained resolute, guiding her team towards victory.
With 11 balls to spare, Kaur sealed the win in style with a six, showcasing her immense experience and composure under pressure.
Kerr Shines with All-Round Performance
Amelia Kerr emerged as the star of the match for her all-round brilliance. Her exceptional bowling figures of 4/17 played a pivotal role in restricting GG’s batting lineup. Additionally, her crucial contribution with the bat (31 runs) during the chase further solidified her impact on the game.
Mumbai Indians Maintain Top Spot
With this convincing victory, Mumbai Indians have consolidated their position at the top of the WPL table. Their dominant performance showcased their well-rounded squad and their ability to handle pressure situations effectively. The team will look to continue their winning momentum in their upcoming matches.
Scores in Brief:
Gujarat Giants 126/9 in 20 overs (Tanuja Kanwar 28, Kathryn Bryce 25; Amelia Kerr 4-17, Shabnim Ismail 3-18)
Mumbai Indians 129/5 in 18.1 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 46*, Amelia Kerr 31; Tanuja Kanwar 2-21, Lea Tahuhu 1-17)
Result: Mumbai Indians won by 5 wickets
