Mithali Raj Lauds Grace Harris' Hat-Trick Against DC: 'She Has a Golden Arm'

Synopsis

In a thrilling match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Mithali Raj praised Grace Harris' hat-trick that led UP Warriorz to victory over Delhi Capitals. Harris's exceptional bowling and Chinelle Henry's explosive batting were highlights of the match, showcasing the team's talent.

Key Takeaways

Mithali Raj praises Grace Harris' hat-trick.
Harris takes key wickets to lead UP Warriorz to victory.
Chinelle Henry equals record for fastest fifty in WPL.
Harris displays exceptional skill and intelligence in bowling.
UP Warriorz successfully defends a target for the first time this season.

Bengaluru, Feb 23 (NationPress) Former India skipper Mithali Raj commended Grace Harris' hat-trick during the UP Warriorz' victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. She remarked that the off-spin allrounder 'seems to have a golden arm' and showcases a strong understanding of her craft.

Grace capped off an incredible night for UPW with a hat-trick, claiming the wickets of Niki Prasad, Arundhati Reddy, and Minnu Mani, leading to DC's total of 144 runs. After taking two catches in the deep, she managed to grab another catch hit directly at her by Mani on the second attempt, making her only the third bowler to achieve a hat-trick in the WPL, following her Warriorz captain Deepti Sharma in 2024 and Issy Wong from Mumbai Indians in 2023.

'Every time Grace Harris steps onto the field to bowl, she seems to have a golden arm. In their last matchup against these two teams (UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals), she took down Meg Lanning in the very first over, and today, she delivered an unexpected hat-trick,' Mithali commented.

'Grace Harris is an incredibly intelligent bowler. She took out Annabel Sutherland in her first over and then achieved the hat-trick in the last over. Her mastery of the craft is evident as she skillfully employs variations, including drifters and quicker deliveries. Although she does not bowl regularly for Australia, she consistently provides vital breakthroughs when given the opportunity,' Mithali stated on JioHotstar.

UP Warriorz's triumph also marked the first instance in eight matches this season where a team managed to defend a target successfully. Chinelle Henry played a pivotal role with a quick-fire 62 off 23 balls, equaling the record for the fastest fifty (18 balls) in WPL history as UPW scored 177/9.

While defending 177, young talent Kranti Goud with figures of 4-25 and Grace Harris with 4-15, including a hat-trick, ensured the end of the 'chase and win' streak.

'There were numerous positives for UP Warriorz, which is crucial when aiming for their first victory and points. We were counting on strong performances from the entire squad, including batters like Chinelle Henry and bowlers like Grace Harris and Kranti Goud. Both bowlers delivered outstanding performances,' she added.

Henry blasted eight sixes during her incredible 23-ball 62, hitting the ball all over the field, including scoring 24 runs off Shikha Pandey’s 17th over and 22 off Arundhati Reddy’s 19th over, as UPW amassed 67 runs in the final four overs.

Mithali also praised Chinelle's batting style, saying, 'She had confidence in executing those aggressive shots. At that moment, with six or seven wickets down, she realized there was nothing to lose. She opted to go big and play her natural game, showcasing that classic West Indian flair for hitting massive sixes.'