Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt powered Mumbai Indians Women to a dominant 50-run Women Premier League victory over the Delhi Capitals Women at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Saturday.
After being asked to bat first, Mumbai posted a formidable 195/4 in 20 overs, powered by stellar knocks from Harmanpreet and Australian Sciver-Brunt, before their bowlers sealed the victory with a disciplined performance.
Mumbai’s innings began on a shaky note when Australian Amelia Kerr fell for a first-ball duck to West Indian Chinelle Henry (3-0-32-1) in the opening over. Gunalan Kamalini tried to stabilize the innings with 16 off 19 balls but was dismissed by Nandani Sharma (3-0-26-2) with the score at 51 for two in the seventh over.
The momentum shifted dramatically as Sciver-Brunt and skipper Harmanpreet took charge. Sciver-Brunt played a scintillating knock of 70 runs off 46 balls, smashing 13 boundaries. Her aggressive approach dismantled Delhi’s bowling attack before falling to Shree Charani (4-0-45-1).
Harmanpreet then unleashed her full range of strokes, ending unbeaten on 74 off just 42 balls, laced with eight fours and three sixes. Her strike rate of 176.19 showcased her dominance as she guided Mumbai to a commanding total. Australian Nicola Carey chipped in with a brisk 21 off 12 balls, while Sajeevan Sajana ended unbeaten on five off 2 deliveries.
Chasing 196, Delhi Capitals never found momentum. South African Lizelle Lee (10) and Shafali Verma (8) fell early, leaving the side reeling at 32 for two. The middle order collapsed under pressure, with skipper Jemimah Rodrigues managing just a single.
Brief resistance came from Henry, who top-scored with a valiant 56 from 33 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. However, her effort was not enough as wickets continued to tumble.
Delhi were eventually bowled out for 145 in 19 overs, falling short by 50 runs. Mumbai’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, led by Amelia Kerr (4-0-24-3) and Nicola Carey (4-0-37-3). Sciver-Brunt chipped in with two wickets, while South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail was miserly, conceding just 14 runs in her four overs.
Mumbai Indians Women showcased a perfect blend of power-hitting and disciplined bowling to secure a comprehensive win. Harmanpreet’s leadership and Sciver-Brunt’s all-round brilliance were the outstanding highlights.
**As published on Supersport.com