Harmanpreet’s Masterclass silences the Gujarat Giants
Gujarat posted a total of 190 runs in their allotted 20 overs, largely due to an exceptional partnership for the second wicket between Beth Mooney and Dayalan Hemalatha, which yielded 121 runs. Hemalatha showcased superb stroke play, amassing 74 runs, while Mooney contributed 66 runs to the team’s total. Additionally, Bharti Fulmali’s brisk innings of 21 runs further bolstered Gujarat’s score.
Mumbai’s bowling performance was subpar, conceding runs on both sides of the ground. Saika Ishaque managed to secure a couple of wickets, while others chipped in with a few dismissals as well.
The bowlers representing Gujarat faced a tough challenge right from the start as they struggled to contain the openers of Mumbai, putting them on the defensive early on. However, they managed to stage a comeback during the middle phase of the game, only to falter once again in the crucial death overs.
With the exception of Ashleigh Gardner and Tanuja Kanwer, who maintained an economy rate of less than 6, every other bowler conceded a significant number of runs. Although Ashleigh Gardner, Tanuja Kanwer, and Shabnam Shakil each managed to claim one wicket, it was a bitter pill to swallow for Gujarat as they controlled the game for the most part, only to witness a sensational finish orchestrated by Harmanpreet Kaur, which ultimately snatched victory from their grasp.
In their pursuit of a daunting target, Mumbai got off to a blazing start, notching up 50 runs during the powerplay. However, they encountered a couple of setbacks in the middle overs, finding themselves needing to chase more than 9 runs per over.
Yet, following the dismissal of Yastika Bhatia, Harmanpreet Kaur orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. The Mumbai skipper unleashed a barrage of powerful strokes, dismantling the Gujarat bowlers with remarkable ease. Despite their efforts, the bowlers struggled to restrict her scoring or prevent the flurry of boundaries she unleashed.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s spectacular innings of 95 runs from just 48 deliveries steered her team to victory. Yastika Bhatia also played a commendable innings, contributing 49 runs, while Amelia Kerr and Hayley Matthews made useful contributions as well.
Mooney and the Giants seem to be in a state of disbelief as they struggle to come to terms with how they let this match slip away. Harmanpreet Kaur’s innings will certainly be etched into the records of the WPL. Mumbai’s chances seemed slim as they chased a target of 191, especially after Mathews fell soon after the powerplay.
The momentum slowed down further when Nat Sciver-Brunt failed to get going, leading to a steep rise in the required run rate. Despite Yastika Bhatia’s commendable 49, Mumbai needed 72 runs from just 30 deliveries, appearing to be in dire straits. However, Kaur had different plans. She launched a furious assault on the Gujarat bowlers, capitalizing on some wayward deliveries.
Boundaries came thick and fast, and Kaur remained unbeaten on 95 runs off just 48 deliveries, guiding Mumbai to an improbable victory, leaving Gujarat trailing far behind.
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