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All-Round Nat Sciver-Brunt Shines as Mumbai Indians Claim Top Spot in WPL 2024
Mumbai Indians (MI) produced a dominant performance against UP Warriorz (UPW) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, securing a comfortable eight-wicket victory to climb to the top of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 table. Nat Sciver-Brunt starred with both bat and ball, scoring an unbeaten 75 and picking up three crucial wickets to dismantle the opposition. Hayley Matthews also played a key role, smashing 59 runs as MI chased down 143 with ease.
UP Warriorz Off to a Flying Start but Collapse Under Pressure
Grace Harris and Vrinda Dinesh Power UPW in the Powerplay
UP Warriorz had a mixed outing, starting with aggression but losing momentum in the latter half of their innings. The team had an early setback when opener Kiran Navgire mistimed a short ball and was caught at mid-on. However, Grace Harris, promoted up the order, provided a blistering start, smashing three consecutive boundaries off Shabnim Ismail.
Vrinda Dinesh, struggling for form earlier in the tournament, found her rhythm, driving Sciver-Brunt through the covers with ease. The duo maintained the attack, ensuring UPW posted 80/1 within the first nine overs. Harris was dropped on 44, but MI capitalized soon after, as Ismail made amends by catching her in the very next over.
Sanskriti Gupta Sparks a Middle-Order Collapse
Following Harris’ dismissal, MI seized control. Sanskriti Gupta delivered a game-changing over, removing Vrinda Dinesh and yorking Tahlia McGrath, who continued her poor run in the tournament. Deepti Sharma also fell cheaply, mistiming a sweep that was brilliantly caught by Harmanpreet Kaur.
Shweta Sehrawat tried to keep the scoreboard moving, but her partner Uma Chetry struggled. MI’s disciplined bowling ensured that UPW could manage only 80 runs in the last 14 overs while losing eight wickets, finishing at 142/9 in 20 overs.
Mumbai Indians’ Chase: Sciver-Brunt and Matthews Lead the Charge
Early Jitters Before the Sciver-Brunt Show
Mumbai Indians began cautiously, with UPW bowlers keeping things tight. Chinelle Henry and Sophie Ecclestone troubled Hayley Matthews, even creating an early chance that was dropped at slip. Young Kranti Goud took a sharp low catch to dismiss Yastika Bhatia for a duck, reducing MI to 18/1 in five overs.
Sciver-Brunt then took charge, smashing three consecutive boundaries off Saima Thakor. Matthews soon joined in, punishing Goud and McGrath to build momentum.
Sciver-Brunt and Matthews Dominate the Chase
Once set, the duo made batting look effortless. Sciver-Brunt unleashed sweeps, paddle scoops, and flicks to keep the boundaries flowing. Matthews completed her fifty in the 16th over, hammering Harris for 22 runs in one over, including three fours and a six.
With just four runs needed, Matthews fell, but captain Harmanpreet Kaur sealed the victory with a lucky inside edge for four, completing the chase in just 17 overs.
Key Performances: Match-Winning Contributions
- Nat Sciver-Brunt: 75* (38) & 3/18
- Hayley Matthews: 59 (46)
- Grace Harris: 45 (28)
- Vrinda Dinesh: 33 (30)
- Sanskriti Gupta: 2/11
- Shabnim Ismail: 1/26
Mumbai Indians’ Rise to the Top
With this emphatic win, MI now leads the WPL 2024 table, showcasing their strength in both batting and bowling. Their ability to restrict opponents and chase targets efficiently makes them strong contenders for the title.
What’s Next?
Mumbai Indians will look to extend their winning run in the next fixture, while UP Warriorz will need to regroup quickly to stay in the playoff race.
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