The Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai is set to host the last group game of the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) as Mumbai Indians (MI) take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). In the reverse fixture, MI secured a four-wicket win and currently lead the head-to-head record 4-2.
MI, placed second with 10 points from seven games, are in great form, while defending champions RCB have already been eliminated, managing just four points in seven games after five consecutive losses. Based on the current form, MI will start as favourites, but RCB will aim to spring a surprise and deny them the top spot.
MI face scheduling challenge
This match is crucial for MI as they are playing two games on consecutive days. A win here will secure their place at the top of the table, taking them directly to the final. Otherwise, they will have to play three games in four days—or, if they win the eliminator, four matches in six days—which could be physically demanding for the players. The tight schedule raises concerns over player recovery, as playing high-intensity matches back-to-back can take a toll.
MI’s unbeaten record at Brabourne
However, MI have been dominant at Brabourne, having never lost a WPL match at this venue. They will look to continue that record, just as they did against the Gujarat Giants (GG) yesterday. While MI won that game by nine runs, they were in complete control before Bharti Fulmali’s late onslaught and Simran Shaikh’s cameo brought GG closer.
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Harmanpreet leads from the front
Harmanpreet Kaur was the standout performer, earning the Player of the Match award. She anchored the innings brilliantly, allowing others like Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amanjot Kaur to play around her. Her captaincy was also spot on, particularly the decision to use all four overs of Shabnim Ismail within the first 11 overs, which helped MI take key wickets and derail GG’s chase.
GG’s tactics raise eyebrows
GG’s approach to the chase also raised questions. Surprisingly, they sent Kashvee Gautam as an opener, a move that did not work. In the post-match press conference, it was stated that this was an experiment, suggesting that GG, having already secured an eliminator spot, were comfortable taking risks in a game that had little impact on their qualification.
Having secured the playoff spot for the first time, it seemed a complacent approach from the Giants. Now, with GG confirmed for the eliminator, today’s match will determine whether MI or Delhi Capitals (DC) finish at the top and go straight to the final.
Also Read: “They do not want to lose to each other” – Coach Nagesh Gupta on MI’s Amanjot and GG’s Kashvee
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