UP Warriorz made light of the Mumbai Indians’ challenge In the 6th match of Women’s Premier League 2024.
Having lost two of their best performers, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and pacer Shabnim Ismail, to injuries, MI must have breathed a sigh of relief by posting 162 but that was not enough as UPW clinched victory by 7 wickets
Hayley Matthews is back!
Hayley Matthews is a cricket sensation known for her aggressive yet elegant style of batting. She made waves when the Mumbai Indians snapped her up for Rs. 40 Lakh during the first WPL auction. In her debut season, she dazzled fans with explosive starts and being MI’s third-highest scorer. She also proved her mettle with the ball, claiming a whopping 16 wickets, making her one of the top performers of the tournament. Today, Matthews opened and scored a pivotal 55 off 47 balls. Giving the fans a reminder of her performance in the last edition of the tournament and an indication of what’s to come.
Yastika Bhatia and Amelia Kerr shine again
India’s left handed wicket-keeping batter Yastika Bhatia and New Zealand’s right arm leg-break all-rounder Amelia Kerr continued their brilliant form. In two matches that Mumbai Indians have played both Yastika and Amelia have impressed. In the opening match against Delhi Capitals Kerr picked up 2 wickets and scored 24 (18) whereas Yastika scored a match turning half century 57 (45). In the following match against Gujarat Giants, Kerr impressed once again by scalping a four-wicket haul and scoring a crucial 31 (25). On Wednesday, the two contributed immensely once again as Yastika scored 26 (22) and Amelia picked up a wicket while also making 23 runs off 16 balls.
Youngster Kiran Navgire showcases fighting spirit
Although Kiran Navgire’s innings ended sooner than fans would have wanted, the youngster proved her mettle. Walking onto the field alongside skipper Alyssa Healy to chase 162, Navgire settled her nerves to play the knock of the match. She hit 6 fours and 4 sixes, batting with a strike rate of a whopping 183.87, proving just why she has been entrusted with the opening role. Her 94-run partnership with Alyssa Healy ensured that the team had a strong foundation to build their chase on.
Grace Harris finishes the game
If there’s anything Grace Harris is known for, it’s for finding gaps in the field, hitting big shots and scoring quick runs. That is precisely what the Australian all rounder did tonight as UPW found themselves at the backfoot as Issy Wong scalped two successive wickets, sending both Alyssa Healy and power hitter Tahlia McGrath back to the pavilion. It started raining fours and sixes as Harris connected the ball right and left, taking UPW over the line with her 38* (17) run knock and ensuring the team won its first match of the tournament.