Navi Mumbai, Jan 13 (NationPress) Mumbai Indians' captain Harmanpreet Kaur lauded the younger players for their sense of responsibility after the two-time champions convincingly defeated Gujarat Giants by seven wickets at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday. She acknowledged their readiness to step up when needed, attributing their performance to solid preparation.

"It’s heartening to see all these girls embracing their responsibilities and contributing effectively to the team. They are always prepared to meet the team’s needs. Their preparation has been commendable, and whenever the team calls upon them, they are ready," she stated.

Choosing to field first, the Mumbai Indians faced a rapid start from the Gujarat Giants, who reached 62/1 in the powerplay and 99/3 at the halfway mark, led by Beth Mooney and Kanika Ahuja. A late surge from Bharti Fulmali (36* off 15) and Georgia Wareham (43*)—which included 62 runs in the final five overs—helped Gujarat post a formidable total of 192/5, despite wickets from Shabnim Ismail, Hayley Matthews, Nicola Carey, and Amelia Kerr.

"It was a competitive match. While bowling, we conceded too many runs, and we need to revisit our strategies. Amanjot and I calculated well, she batted brilliantly, and Nicola alleviated some pressure off me," said Harmanpreet Kaur, who was named Player of the Match.

The MI captain emphasized the significance of maintaining composure and clarity in high-scoring competitions, stressing the necessity to evaluate match situations, bat deeply, and effectively execute plans while chasing substantial totals.

"In tournaments like this, it's crucial to score heavily and chase significant totals. You must bat for the team and assess what is required. It's essential to execute your game plan," she said.

Downplaying individual achievements, Harmanpreet focused on her role in supporting the team, noting she was unaware of her total of five WPL half-centuries against the Giants.

Having received three lives during her innings, Harmanpreet secured her fifth half-century against the Giants, becoming only the second player in WPL history, following Nat Sciver-Brunt, to surpass the 1000-run milestone.

Nicola Carey capped off the innings with a stylish unbeaten 38 off 23 balls, featuring six boundaries. Harmanpreet clinched the victory with a boundary in the final over, concluding with an impressive 71 off 43 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.

"Every match holds significance. My goal is to go out there and bat for my team. I was unaware of this statistic," she concluded.