Mumbai became the first team to reach the final of the Women’s Premier League after a dominant performance against Bangalore. Leading from the front, Natalie Sciver and Fran Wilson put on a 92-run partnership for the second wicket to propel Mumbai to a total of 157. The bowlers then took centre stage, with Alana King and Radha Yadav providing the vital breakthroughs. But it was all-rounder Anuja Patil who stole the show in the end, with a hat-trick of wickets in the final over to complete the win. However, the real star of the match was Jemimah Rodrigues, who took two stunning catches at point, including one to dismiss Harmanpreet Kaur, to cap off a remarkable display in the field.
Mumbai Indians clinched a spot in the Women’s Premier League final with a 72-run victory over UP Warriorz in the Eliminator. After losing two consecutive matches, Mumbai found their form with Nat Sciver-Brunt delivering an unbeaten 72 off just 38 balls in the must-win game. The England international punished the Warriorz after being dropped on 6 by Ecclestone in the Powerplay. Despite the Warriorz spin strength slowing down the run rate, Sciver-Brunt managed to build a 60-run partnership with Amelia Kerr in 37 balls to give Mumbai a vital boost. Pooja Vastrakar also contributed with a quickfire 11 off 4 balls, including a massive 87-metre six in the final over. Issy Wong sealed the victory with three wickets in the last over, clinching the first-ever hat-trick of the tournament.
Mumbai will now face the Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League final. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team will take on Meg Lanning’s Mumbai in what promises to be an exciting finale. Mumbai, who had won five straight matches, were tipped to reach the final directly but unfortunate losses caused them to play the Eliminator against the resurgent Warriorz, who ended Mumbai’s winning streak in the league stage. However, Mumbai showed their dominance and reached the final, albeit a game later than expected. Mumbai’s under-exposed middle and lower order had struggled to make big runs when the top order was dismissed early, making Sciver-Brunt’s knock crucial for the team’s success. Mumbai will aim to bring their A-game again in the final and lift the inaugural Women’s Premier League trophy.
In conclusion, the Sciver-Brunt fifty and Wong hat-trick will forever be etched in the memories of the Mumbai fans. The performance of these players was nothing short of exceptional, and it has propelled Mumbai into the final of the Women’s T20 Challenge 2021. As we eagerly await the final, we can only hope that the Mumbai team will continue with the same intensity and focus that earned them this thrilling victory. It promises to be an exciting final, and we cannot wait to see what the Mumbai team will bring to the table. Congratulations to the team on an outstanding performance!
