Women’s Premier League returned to action on Monday with Smriti Mandhana’s Bangalore facing Harmanpreet Kaur’s Mumbai in a clash among national teammates at the Brabourne Stadium. After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, Bangalore were bundled out for 155 within 19 overs. Captain Smriti Mandhana scored 23 off 17 laying the foundation for her side but failed to convert it into a big innings.
Following a top-order collapse, four middle-order batters scored 20+ scores to take Bangalore to a respectable total of 155, with eight balls yet to be played in their quota of 20 overs. Hayley Matthews remained the pick of the bowlers for Mumbai, claiming three wickets for 28 runs in her four overs. At the same time, Saika Ishaque and Amelia Kerr returned with two wickets apiece.
Mumbai stretch their unbeaten run to two matches reaching the summit of the standings
In reply, Mumbai were given a steady start by their opening batters, Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia. Bhatia, however, could not convert her start to a big score as she went out for 23 off 19 deliveries setting the tone for Mumbai’s chase with a 45-run opening partnership. On the other hand, Matthews remained unbeaten on 77 off 38 while Nat Sciver-Brunt also scored an unbeaten half-century, tallying 55 off 29.
Mumbai cruised to the target with 34 balls remaining, giving their net run rate a massive boost. They now have the highest net run rate of +5.185 as they reach the summit of the standings after having won both of their games in the inaugural edition of the Women’s T20 League. They are closely followed by Delhi with a net run rate of +3.000 and will be in action on Tuesday.
In the Women’s T20 League, Delhi will be in action against the UP side next. Both teams won their first games in the tournament. However, that perfect record will come to an end on Tuesday as the two strong-looking teams face each other at the DY Patil Stadium.
Here’s how fans reacted to Bangalore’s second consecutive defeat:
MI just trashed this mallus fav team ??
— Caught_behind (@GULLYCRICKET7) March 6, 2023
Meanwhile Mumbai Indian team be like 🙂 pic.twitter.com/ijNSKN77W0
— Shakti Man ? (@IamShaktiMann) March 6, 2023
They bought beauties in auction, they appointed Sania mirza as mentor such things won't give them a win !
— ?????? (@Vitamin_is_back) March 6, 2023
This can't change the fact men's RCB team owns mi in last three years ?
— Saurav (@saurav_viratian) March 6, 2023
Both teams continuing the legacy created by men's team
— H?RIZØN ( MI STAN ) (@Horizoned2) March 6, 2023
Rcb getting belted everywhere ??
— Gokul (@okok_coolcool) March 6, 2023
Nothing new!!! Vintage MI & RCB vibes
— Siva??dhfm?? (@SivaHITMANfan) March 6, 2023
MI just trashed this mallus fav team ??
— Caught_behind (@GULLYCRICKET7) March 6, 2023
