MI is the most successful franchise in men’s IPL and they have started their journey in WPL on a bright note as well.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side began WPL with a comprehensive 143-run win against the Gujarat Giants in the first match. They have gone on to beat RCBW, DCW, and UPW in the following matches. MI currently sits on top of the WPL table with 4 wins in as many matches.
Their most recent win came against the UP Warriorz. MI lost the toss as UPW opted to bat first. They put up a score of 159/7 in 20 overs. MI chased the total down in 17.3 overs for the loss of just 2 wickets with great performances from Yastika Bhatia (42 off 27), Nat Sciver-Brunt (45 off 31), and Harmanpreet Kaur (53 off 33). Saika Ashique once again starred with the ball picking up 3 wickets.
After the encounter, Player of the Match, Harmanpreet was seen doing an interview with team mentor and bowling coach, Jhulan Goswami. The light-hearted interview was shared on the social media handles of the Mumbai Indians.
Harmanpreet asked Jhulan if she was tense when the MI bowlers were going for runs. To this, the former Indian pacer said:
“No, not scared, but honestly speaking, Saika [Ashique] got 2 wickets in one over and that gave me a lot of calmness. Otherwise, they would have got to 180 which is always a stiff score.”
Jhulan asked Harmanpreet about the confusion that took place when the bail came up off its groove in the 11th over of MI’s inning when Harmanpreet was batting.
To this, the Indian skipper jokingly said:
“What happened it was like I picked up the bail and put it in place and got back to batting [Before it catches anyone’s attention].”
Jhulan asked Harmanpreet what the conversation with Nat Sciver-Brunt was as the duo suddenly picked up the scoring rate after the 10th over.
Harmanpreet explained: “When I went in to bat, Sophie [Ecclestone] got a few balls to turn. I was a little surprised seeing how much she got it to turn all of a sudden. I spoke to Nat that we will target the new bowler who would come to bowl after her spell. So, we targetted McGrath’s over.”
Jhulan said that when two experienced players bat together, they know when to attack.
Harmanpreet Kaur heaps praise on Nat Sciver-Brunt
Harmanpreet Kaur mentioned how Nat-Sciver Brunt took the pressure off her when she came out to bat.
“Initially, when I wasn’t able to score quickly, as soon as she hit a few boundaries, it took the pressure off me.”
Welcome to the JhulanPreet™️ universe of friendship! 💙
PS: when the Skipper requests, @JhulanG10 has to agree for a joint interview. 😉@ImHarmanpreet | #OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #AaliRe #WPL2023 pic.twitter.com/yyRgggu5y8
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 13, 2023
Jhulan ended the video by lauding the two players for pacing the chase to perfection and helping the team get the win.
MI will play their 5th match of the season on Tuesday against Gujarat Giants at the Brabourne Stadium.
