Cricket

Cricket   |   March 21, 2023

WPL 2023: Harris and McGrath take down Giants attack to secure playoffs berth for UP Warriorz; Mumbai Indians lose to Delhi

The Mumbai Indians slumped to their second successive loss in the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League as the qualification scenario took full shape, after the UP Warriors picked up a win to eliminate a hopeful Royal Challengers Bangalore. 

The Warriors were spurred on by Grace Harris’ brilliance with the bat, with some support from compatriot Tahlia McGrath as well. The Warriors captured victory with just one ball remaining, breaking the Bangalore hearts, who were counting on a Gujarat win to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. Ash Garnder and Dayalan Hemalatha did a fantastic job with the bat to carry their team to a total of 178/6. Get attractive betting odds for WPL only on Empire777.

The Aussie all-rounder produced her first big contribution with the bat far too late, as her batting fireworks made little difference to Gujarat’s fortunes. She did decently with the ball as well, following up a traumatic performance against the Royal Challengers Bangalore with a tight spell.

Despite Harris and McGrath doing the lion’s share of the work in the chase, it came down to Sophie Ecclestone to conjure a win for the Warriors, and she came through to send her side into the last four. 

Delhi Capitals Outclass Mumbai Indians

Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals were at their destructive best, as they left Mumbai completely stunned. The home side’s batting let them down big time, as Marizanne Kapp bowled an outstanding spell of pace bowling, capturing both Nat Sciver Brunt and Yastika Bhatia, picking up 2/13 in four overs. Jess Jonnassen and Shikha Pandey also chipped in with two wickets each, restricting Mumbai to 109. 

In order to leapfrog the Mumbai Indians, the Capitals had to chase down the score in nine overs or less, which is exactly what they did. Shafali Verma set the tone for the game, with a 15-ball 33. Alice Capsey and Meg Lanning kept the carnage going, as Delhi comfortably finished the game with 66 balls to go. The Capitals now occupy the pole position, and will be looking for a win in their last group game to cement a place in the final of the WPL. Follow the latest updates on the Women’s Premier League only on Empire777 Sports.