WPL 2025: Harmanpreet Expresses Delight Over MI's Performance in Final Qualifier
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Synopsis
On March 13, 2025, Mumbai Indians secured their place in the WPL final after a 47-run victory over Gujarat Giants, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressing pride in her team's performance. Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt each scored 77 runs, and Hayley was instrumental with the ball, taking 3 wickets as GG was bowled out for 166.
Key Takeaways
- Mumbai Indians achieved a 47-run victory against Gujarat Giants.
- Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team's performance and effort.
- Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt each contributed 77 runs.
- Hayley was named Player of the Match for her all-round performance.
- Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner reflected on the positives of the season.
Mumbai, March 13 (NationPress) Following the Mumbai Indians' impressive journey to their second WPL final with a 47-run victory against the Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator, captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her satisfaction with her team's performance during the match at the Brabourne Stadium. On a newly laid pitch, remarkable innings of 77 runs each from Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt, coupled with a stunning 36 from Harmanpreet Kaur, propelled MI to an imposing 213/4. In their attempt to defend this substantial total, Hayley excelled with the ball, claiming 3-31, while GG was dismissed for 166 in 19.2 overs.
“I’m feeling fantastic; it was a remarkable team performance, and I’m truly pleased with how we played today. Before the match, my intention was to bat first. However, we opted to chase - if you trust what’s on the board, you can chase it down,” stated Harmanpreet.
“Everything that transpired was for the best, and both Hayley and Nat did an exceptional job setting the stage for us. They are outstanding players who understand how to navigate these situations without needing constant guidance. I’m really pleased with how they embraced their responsibilities and contributed for the team,” she added.
“In terms of bowling, we performed well today. Every bowler executed their plans effectively, aligning with our objectives. The next match is crucial, and we need to reflect on what worked for us,” Harmanpreet mentioned during the post-match presentation.
Hayley, awarded Player of the Match, stated, “I had strategies in mind to deliver my best with both bat and ball. It was a fantastic match where batters gained substantial value for their shots. Nat and I worked diligently to alleviate the pressure on ourselves. With the ball, I formulated my plans and aimed to execute them to the best of my abilities.”
“It was one of those wickets where hitting the ball was fairly straightforward, and I focused on manipulating the field effectively. I managed to control one side of the field and varied my pace, which is what we've been practicing. We learned a lot from our previous encounter with them, and I’m pleased I was able to apply those lessons tonight,” she added.
When asked about her strategy for MI’s second WPL final, Hayley noted, “We’ll return, analyze DC - they are a strong team and have bested us in our last two matches. We’ll come back, do our homework, and then execute on the field.”
Nat, the tournament’s leading run-scorer, shared her approach, stating, “Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what I’ve done differently. We’ve played quite a bit of cricket before this tournament. The wickets are favorable, and the quick outfields certainly benefit the batters.”
“I felt a bit let down for not hitting more sixes earlier. I believe my strengths lie in powerful ground shots, which help me maneuver the field effectively. This makes it challenging for bowlers to bowl at me. Regardless of the toss outcome, I would have been fine with bowling as well,” she expressed.
“However, scoring those runs in a high-pressure game is also a viable strategy. Losing the toss today sets us up favorably for a competitive match in the final, and we can draw confidence from that. In pressure situations, it’s crucial for experienced players to step up, and that worked well for us today,” she elaborated.
She also expressed gratitude for the support from head coach Charlotte Edwards, saying, “Her vast experience is invaluable, and she fosters a comfortable atmosphere, contributing to a positive vibe within the team.”
Despite the Gujarat Giants' defeat and elimination from the final, captain Ashleigh Gardner chose to focus on the season's positives. “This team has a lot to be proud of - numerous positive narratives, with various individuals stepping up at different times. It’s been an absolute honor to lead this group. Young players are making names for themselves, which is the essence of tournaments like this,” she reflected.
She acknowledged the unfortunate loss of Deandra Dottin to injury just before the toss, which was not an ideal situation, as Danielle Gibson made her WPL debut. “Losing a key player is obviously not ideal. However, Gibson is a like-for-like replacement,” she noted.
“She was thrown into a challenging situation, but her personality allows her to tackle it head-on. I hope Dottin is alright, as she just injured her knee, but I wish for her swift recovery for the next series,” she said.
When asked about her team’s preparation for the knockout match, Ashleigh shared, “I emphasized not being overwhelmed by the occasion. This franchise has yet to reach a final, but we should embrace it. Everyone was thrilled to qualify, but today wasn’t our day. We didn’t perform well in all three areas. We missed opportunities with both bat and ball.”
She concluded by thanking the fans for their support during WPL 2025. “We are hopefully moving in the right direction. For our fans, who have supported us this season, it was wonderful to achieve some victories and play before our home crowd. We aim to continue growing from this experience. It’s been fantastic to be part of this franchise for three years and witness its significant growth.”
