Navi Mumbai, Jan 17 (NationPress) UP Warriorz captain Meg Lanning praised her team's strategic planning, execution, and increasing confidence following their second consecutive win in the Women’s Premier League, which also marked the Mumbai Indians' second straight defeat. Lanning, named Player of the Match, described the victory as a crucial morale booster after a challenging start to the season.

Reflecting on their impressive turnaround, Lanning noted that the Warriorz remained optimistic despite their initial three-match losing streak. "It was a nice bounce-back for us. Losing the first three wasn’t ideal, but the group stayed upbeat. We were confident in our ability and knew we just needed to bring it for a little bit longer," she stated after the match.

The Warriorz set a strong tone with a robust batting display, spearheaded by Lanning, who scored a brilliant 70 off 45 deliveries. This innings also made her the first player to achieve 11 half-centuries in WPL history. After the early dismissal of opener Kiran Navgire for a duck, Lanning found a dependable partner in fellow Australian Phoebe Litchfield, with the pair forming a vital 119-run partnership.

Lanning acknowledged the clarity in their preparation that has propelled the team to back-to-back victories against formidable opponents. "We did a lot of planning. We discussed extensively how we wanted to execute. They’ve got some strong batters, so having clear plans against them is essential. I think in the last two games, we’ve nailed that planning process," she remarked.

She emphasized that the preparations off the pitch have seamlessly transitioned into solid performances on the field. "We came into the game very clear about what we wanted to achieve. It’s been rewarding to see our off-field efforts translate into on-field execution as well," she added.

The UP skipper also pointed out the growing synergy with Litchfield while batting, acknowledging the young batter for relieving some pressure with her aggressive style. "It’s enjoyable batting with Phoebe Litchfield. We target different areas of the field, and I believe we complement each other effectively. We’re starting to grasp each other’s games well, allowing us to support one another when necessary. Her striking ability took a lot of pressure off me," Lanning commented.

Despite achieving a competitive total, Lanning recognized the need for improvement, particularly in the final stages of their innings. "I think we can enhance our batting finish. Mumbai bowled exceptionally well and slowed down the pace. It’s crucial to adjust to that and ensure we conclude strongly, carrying momentum into the second innings," she noted.

Following their batting efforts, the UP Warriorz showcased a disciplined bowling performance, tightening control during critical phases to limit the Mumbai Indians and clinch the victory. The collective bowling effort highlighted the team’s enhanced execution, which Lanning believes will be vital in future matches.

“We’ve sharpened a few areas, but it's promising that we still have aspects to improve on,” she mentioned, emphasizing that the squad is far from complacent.

With two consecutive wins under their belt, the Warriorz are heading to Vadodara with renewed confidence and momentum. "To emerge victorious against a strong Mumbai side and secure two wins in a row provides us with valuable momentum as we approach Vadodara now," Lanning concluded.