Mumbai, Jan 14 (NationPress) Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim commended Harmanpreet Kaur's fierce competitive nature and keen match awareness, noting that it’s a tough task for opposing teams to set the field for her. This statement came after the Mumbai Indians secured an exhilarating seven-wicket victory against the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League 2026 on Tuesday at the DY Patil Stadium.

Reflecting on Harmanpreet’s performance, Karim highlighted the captain of the Mumbai Indians as one of the most versatile and challenging batters to handle in contemporary women’s cricket.

“Watching Harmanpreet bat like this is always delightful. Her success, longevity, and consistency stem from her quick adaptability, which is a product of her understanding of the match situation and her timely assessment of conditions,” he told Jiostar.

“She plays the field exceptionally well. Setting a field for Harmanpreet is not an easy task. She skillfully exploits the offside and is equally formidable on the leg side. The way she coils and uncoils at the right moments, combined with her back lift and downswing, makes it exceedingly challenging for bowlers to contain her,” he added.

Karim acknowledged that while there were some flaws in the innings, the 36-year-old captain's clarity and grasp of the game once again set her apart.

“She identifies gaps against both pace and spin and comprehends the game remarkably well. Her record in the WPL speaks volumes. Accumulating over 1,000 runs while batting at number four, alongside numerous fifties, demonstrates the immense value she brings every time she steps onto the field,” Karim stated.

Former New Zealand cricketer Katey Martin echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the Indian batter’s prowess in managing the pace of a chase and utilizing her strengths at crucial moments.

“I believe Harmanpreet never wants to leave this ground. She arrived here on the first day with a big smile. Previously, she had brought home the World Cup, and she continues to excel,” said Martin.

“She stays true to her strengths, but the way she paces her innings is vital. Initially, she started slowly with eight off eight, looked for her match-up, which was Ashleigh Gardner, and then targeted her. When you witness shots like her drives over extra cover and mid-wicket, it’s astounding how someone can strike all around the ground with such power and accuracy. It’s essential for your best player to shine in chases, and Harmanpreet did just that,” she added.

Martin also praised Amanjot Kaur’s contribution and her partnership with Harmanpreet, which was instrumental in swinging the momentum back in favor of the Mumbai Indians.

“Amanjot is a fierce competitor and always wants to engage in the fight. Batting at number three presented a new challenge for her, but she adeptly understood the situation. Around the ninth over, when they opted for back-to-back big overs, that was when the shift in momentum occurred. In T20 cricket, momentum is crucial. That partnership alleviated pressure from Harmanpreet and allowed her to finish the task with composure,” she noted.

Harmanpreet’s unbeaten 71-run innings, along with Amanjot’s key contributions in the middle, propelled the Mumbai Indians to their second consecutive win in this year's WPL edition.