Mumbai: In the opening game of the Women’s Premier League (WPL 2023) at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, here on Saturday, Mumbai Indians easily defeated Gujarat Giants by a score of 143 runs thanks to captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s brilliant fifty (65 off 30) and Saika Ishaque’s incredible four-fer (4/11).
Mumbai Indians were able to reach an impressive 207 for five in 20 overs thanks to Kaur’s record fifty. Together with Harmanpreet, MI also benefited from the contributions of Amelia Kerr (45 not out off 24) and Hayley Matthews (47 off 31).
Gujarat hitters were under a great deal of strain to chase down a large total, and they gave out under it. They were already in danger after Mooney suffered an injury in the opening over.
Gujarat quickly lost four wickets during the powerplay, utterly setting them back. They were unable to recover after that. Dayalan Hemalatha, who hit 29 out of 23 for the Giants, was the only batter to reach double figures.
Earlier, Gujarat won the toss and choose to bowl first. Tanuja Kanwar returned Yastika for a cheap score in her first over. But, Matthews and Sciver-Brunt, two seasoned international players, played excellently because they were in their element.
In the powerplay, Matthews and Sciver-Brunt got their team off to a strong start. When Wareham defeated the Sciver-Brunt, Matthews also missed a 50-yard field goal.
The real devastation, though, started after the tenth over. From the beginning, Harmanpreet was on a rampage and humiliated the bowlers. Kerr, who played a magnificent innings herself, provided her with excellent assistance.
As 130 runs were scored in the final 10 overs, Gujarat’s bowlers let up plenty of runs. Tanuja Kanwar, Georgia Wareham, Ashleih Gardner, and Sneh Rana each grabbed two wickets for Gujarat.
Short results: Gujarat Giants Innings 64-9 in 15.1 overs (Dayalan Hemalatha 29 not out; Saika Ishaque 4/11; Nat Sciver-Brunt 2/5) were defeated by 143 runs by Mumbai Indians 207/5 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 65, Hayley Matthews 47, Amelia Kerr 45 not out; Sneh Rana 2/43).