WPL 2024, Match 16 Review: Harmanpreet Kaur's onslaught sends Mumbai Indians straight to playoffs

Mumbai Indians faced off against Gujarat Giants in the 16th clash of the Women’s Premier League 2024 at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium. Opting to bat first after winning the toss on a pitch conducive to batters, Gujarat Giants aimed to set a formidable target. Delhi's track had witnessed four matches this season, all claimed by the team batting first. However, against Mumbai Indians, conventional stats often take an unexpected turn. Mumbai's reputation as game-changers could rewrite the script once again.

Laura Wolvaardt's bat failed to light up tonight as Hayley Matthews dismissed her early. However, Beth Mooney and Dayalan Hemalatha joined forces, maintaining a brisk run rate. They consistently found boundaries, keeping the opposition bowlers unsettled. Both surpassed their fifties, with Mooney scoring 66 and Hemalatha 74, forging a formidable partnership. Despite their efforts to finish strongly, they fell unexpectedly. 

At the death, Mumbai Indians' bowlers showcased impeccable execution, triggering a flurry of wickets. Bharati Fulmali's brisk 21-run cameo slightly boosted Gujarat's total, yet they fell short in maximising the death overs. Mumbai Indians tightened their grip post the second strategic timeout, allowing only 51 runs in the last seven overs. However, chasing 191 demanded a significant effort, and set the stage for an intense pursuit.

Harmanpreet Kaur turns the table for Mumbai Indians

Chasing 191, Mumbai Indians began decently, but momentum waned after Matthews' exit post-powerplay. Nat Sciver-Brunt's struggle to find form escalated the required run rate. Yastika Bhatia's departure at 49 dashed hopes of a resurgence for MI. Mumbai required 72 runs from 30 deliveries when Harmanpreet Kaur seized the opportunity with a remarkable display. Exploiting Gujarat's wayward bowling, Kaur's onslaught sent the ball soaring over the ropes incessantly. She remained unbeaten at 95 off 48 balls, steering Mumbai to a commanding victory, leaving Gujarat trailing in their wake.