WPL 2024, Match 6 Review: Kiran Navgire outshines Mumbai's might at Chinnaswamy

UP Warriorz outplayed Mumbai Indians by seven wickets in the sixth match of the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on February 28, Wednesday. Coming off a five-wicket win over Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians played without skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and the team was led by Nat Sciver-Brunt. The faltering Warriorz, who had lost their opening two games, turned things around against the ruthless Mumbai team, who amassed 161-6 in 20 overs.

After being put to bat first, Mumbai's opening pair of Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia provided a solid start, adding 50 runs before the latter fell to Grace Harris in the eighth over for 26 runs. Matthews steadied the innings, crafting a fifty, scoring 55 off 47 deliveries before being dismissed by Rajeshwari Gayakwad. 

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Despite a reasonable contribution from the West Indies star, Mumbai struggled to maintain momentum against a disciplined UP bowling attack. However, they managed to set a reasonable 162-run target in their allotted 20 overs. Notably, all of UP's bowlers, including Anjali Sarvani, Harris, Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, and Gayakwad, chipped in with crucial wickets.

In response, UP Warriorz commenced their chase strongly, with captain Alyssa Healy and Kiran Navgire forging a formidable 94-run opening partnership. Navgire showcased her batting prowess with a well-made half-century, scoring 57 off just 31 deliveries, including six boundaries and four maximums. However, Mumbai found a breakthrough when Amelia Kerr dismissed Navgire in the tenth over.

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Issy Wong then struck twice in the 11th over, removing Tahlia McGrath and Healy. Despite these setbacks, UP remained undeterred as Grace Harris (38*) and Deepti Sharma (27*) took charge, guiding their team to victory with composed batting displays. Their effort helped the Warriorz successfully chase down the target in 16.3 overs, sealing a convincing win over the reigning champions.