WPL 2025: Matthews' All-round Performance Leads Mumbai Indians to Six-Wicket Victory Over UP Warriorz
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Synopsis
In a remarkable display, the Mumbai Indians triumphed over UP Warriorz by six wickets in the WPL 2025 match, enhanced by Amelia Kerr's five-wicket haul and Hayley Matthews' explosive 68 runs. This victory reinforces Mumbai's strong position in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Amelia Kerr showcased exceptional bowling with a five-wicket haul.
- Hayley Matthews scored a critical 68 runs, leading the chase.
- UP Warriorz struggled to capitalize on their promising start.
- Mumbai's bowlers effectively dismantled UPW's middle order.
- The match was held at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
Lucknow, March 6 (NationPress) The Mumbai Indians clinched a commanding six-wicket victory against UP Warriorz during the 16th match of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025, driven by outstanding performances from Amelia Kerr and Hayley Matthews. Kerr's exceptional five-wicket haul (5-38) and Matthews' all-round prowess (2-25 & 68 off 46 balls) propelled Mumbai to successfully chase the target of 151 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
Choosing to bat first, the UP Warriorz had their best start of the season, led by Georgia Voll (55 off 33), as the openers forged a 74-run partnership. However, the Mumbai bowlers quickly mounted a comeback. Kerr’s varied bowling proved too challenging for UPW’s middle order, triggering a collapse by dismissing several key players, preventing the hosts from capitalizing on their strong start. Matthews also played a vital role with the ball, providing essential breakthroughs and applying pressure during the middle overs.
Despite their early advantage, UPW faltered in the latter stages, finishing with 150/9 after 20 overs, with Voll's half-century being the only significant contribution in a failing lineup.
Mumbai began their chase with an unexpected decision as Amelia Kerr opened the innings alongside Matthews. Kerr had a notable stint, surviving an early dismissal due to a no-ball but eventually scoring 10 (13) off Chinelle Henry. Nat Sciver-Brunt then partnered with Matthews in the middle, and together they took charge.
Matthews displayed exceptional form, hitting boundaries effortlessly, including consecutive fours off Sophie Ecclestone. Sciver-Brunt supported her well, ensuring Mumbai stayed ahead of the required run rate. A particularly costly over from Gouher Sultana, where 16 runs were conceded, further diminished UPW’s hopes. Matthews soon reached a well-earned half-century in just 35 balls, anchoring the innings as Mumbai drew closer to victory.
Although UPW managed to break the 92-run partnership when Grace Harris dismissed Sciver-Brunt for 37 (23 balls), the damage had already been inflicted. Matthews continued her aggressive approach until she was out for 68 (46), mis-hitting a slower delivery to Voll at deep mid-wicket.
Even after the departures of Matthews and later Harmanpreet Kaur (4 off 9), Mumbai retained control. Yastika Bhatia (10 not out) and Amanjot Kaur (12 not out) ensured a smooth finish, with Bhatia sealing the victory with a boundary. Mumbai Indians successfully chased down the target in 18.2 overs, winning by six wickets and solidifying their standing in the tournament.
Brief scores:
UP Warriorz 150/9 in 20 overs (Georgia Voll 55, Grace Harris 28; Amelia Kerr 5-38, Hayley Matthews 2-25) lost to Mumbai Indians 153/4 in 18.3 overs (Hayley Matthews 68, Nat Sciver-Brunt 37; Grace Harris 2-11, Chinelle Henry 1-28) by six wickets
