WPL 2025: Deepti Sharma Discusses UPW’s Middle-Order Issues Following MI Victory
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Synopsis
In a recent match, UP Warriorz captain Deepti Sharma reflected on her team's ongoing middle-order struggles after a loss to Mumbai Indians in WPL 2025. Despite their strong start, the middle order faltered, highlighting areas for improvement as the team prepares for their final game.
Key Takeaways
- UP Warriorz struggles with middle-order batting.
- Deepti Sharma emphasizes the need for improvement.
- Georgia Voll shines with a strong performance.
- Amelia Kerr's exceptional bowling dismantles UPW's batting.
- MI's Matthews leads the chase effectively.
Lucknow, March 6 (NationPress) UP Warriorz skipper Deepti Sharma acknowledged that her team’s middle-order challenges persist, despite a solid beginning at the top. After their six-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, Deepti reflected on the team’s issues while also commending young Georgia Voll for her batting performance.
Her remarks followed a dominant showing from Mumbai Indians, where Amelia Kerr delivered an outstanding five-wicket haul (5-38) and Hayley Matthews showcased her all-round talent (2-25 & 68 off 46 balls), leading the defending champions to successfully chase down a target of 151 with ease at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
"The middle order isn't firing. The top order, however, is performing well. But there are positives, like Voll batting impressively. It was wonderful to watch her. In the middle order, there are times when you need to shift the game’s momentum. We aim to give our all in our final match. As a player, I strive to elevate my game. I'm learning how to enhance my skills," Deepti stated post-match.
The Warriorz chose to bat first and began their best start of the season, thanks to Voll’s explosive 55 off 33 balls. Together with her opening partner, they contributed 74 runs for the first wicket, raising expectations for a substantial total. However, Mumbai’s bowlers shifted the momentum with a disciplined performance. Amelia Kerr dismantled the middle order, causing UP Warriorz to collapse from a promising position. She took out key players at critical moments, halting the hosts from capitalizing on their initial energy.
The Mumbai Indians surprised many by sending Amelia Kerr to open alongside Matthews. Kerr had an eventful outing, surviving an early dismissal off a no-ball but ultimately scoring 10 (13) before being dismissed by Chinelle Henry. This brought Nat Sciver-Brunt to the crease, who, alongside Matthews, took control of the chase.
Matthews was in exquisite form, effortlessly punishing the bowlers. She struck consecutive boundaries off Sophie Ecclestone and played some stunning shots through the off-side. Sciver-Brunt played the perfect supporting role, ensuring the run rate was comfortably manageable. Matthews soon reached her half-century off 35 balls, setting the stage for a straightforward chase. Grace Harris provided a breakthrough by dismissing Sciver-Brunt for a commendable 37 (23), but by then, Mumbai was already on track.
Matthews continued her onslaught before falling for 68 (46) while trying to take on Kranti Goud. However, her contributions were already significant. Harmanpreet Kaur struggled during her innings, getting out for 4 (9), but Yastika Bhatia (10*) and Amanjot Kaur (12*) ensured there were no further setbacks. With just two runs required, Yastika found the boundary to clinch a six-wicket victory for the Mumbai Indians in 18.2 overs, further establishing their dominance in the WPL 2025.
