Right then, that is it from the game. Mumbai have secured their spot in the Women's T20 League finals, where they will face off against Delhi. The game will be this Saturday, March 15th at 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT). We invite you to join us for the pre-match buildup a bit early. Until then, take care, and cheers!
Hayley Matthews, the standout performer for Mumbai, was deservedly named the Player of the Match. In a post-match interview, Matthews expressed her delight at having a perfect game with both bat and ball, feeling thrilled to have contributed significantly to her team's victory. Matthews attributed her success to carefully selecting her areas to target and consistently penetrating them, which allowed her to score freely. Her thoughtful approach paid dividends, as she played a crucial role in Mumbai's imposing total. Matthews also reflected on the team's previous encounter with Gujarat, acknowledging that it provided valuable learnings. She revealed that the team worked on those lessons, which ultimately led to an even more impressive performance in this match.
Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of Mumbai, expressed her delight with the team's overall display. Kaur was thrilled that they were able to post a solid total on the board, extending her gratitude to Hayley Matthews and Natalie Sciver-Brunt for their outstanding contributions. Kaur praised the duo, describing them as great players who possess a deep understanding of the game and what's required for the team's success. She lauded their brilliant performances, which played a significant role in Mumbai's imposing total. Kaur also commended the bowling unit, stating that they performed admirably, with everyone contributing as desired. The skipper's praise reflected the team's all-around effort, which ultimately led to their success.
Ash Gardner, the captain of Gujarat acknowledged that their season came to a close, but emphasized the numerous positives they can take away. Gardner highlighted the emergence of young talents, which she believes is the primary objective of tournaments like the Women's T20 League. Gardner said that reaching the finals was uncharted territory for the team, and although they fell short, the experience will serve as a valuable learning curve for the team's young players. Regarding the absence of Deandra Dottin, Gardner expressed that it was less than ideal, given Dottin's consistent performances throughout the season. However, Gardner praised Danielle Gibson as a brilliant replacement, expressing disappointment that Dottin missed out on the crucial match.
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Natalie Sciver-Brunt, the star all-rounder from Mumbai, praised the experience and influence of Charlotte Edwards, stating that it has been a massive boost to the squad in high-pressure games. Reflecting on her own performance, Sciver-Brunt expressed satisfaction with her consistency throughout the tournament, describing it as one of her best in recent times. Sciver-Brunt attributed her success to her ability to adapt and evolve, specifically working on hitting boundaries along the ground and clearing the fence. Her efforts have paid off, and she's reaping the rewards. Finally, Sciver-Brunt emphasized the importance of posting a strong total in a crucial knockout match, acknowledging that losing the toss ultimately worked in their favor, allowing them to set a target and put pressure on their opponents.
Earlier in the game, Mumbai posted a record-breaking total of 213, courtesy of formidable knocks from Hayley Matthews and Natalie Sciver-Brunt, and a blistering cameo from Harmanpreet Kaur towards the end. The highest-ever total was achieved despite a slow start. Gujarat struggled to contain the Mumbai batters, particularly in the last 5 overs, which yielded 73 runs.
Gujarat's hopes began to dwindle as Bharti Fulmali's attempt to accelerate the innings was cut short, falling in the 16th over. Mumbai's bowlers, led by Hayley Matthews' three wickes and Amelia Kerr's two wickets, along with and Shabnim Ismail's and Natalie Sciver-Brunt's contributions, ensured a successful defense of their total.
Gujarat faced a daunting task, chasing a substantial total set by Mumbai. Their innings got off to a tumultuous start, losing three key batters within the Powerplay, leaving them reeling at 46/3 after six overs. Despite the setbacks, Phoebe Litchfield and Dani Gibson showed intent to revive the innings. However, Gibson's unlucky dismissal in the 10th over halted their momentum. Phoebe continued to fight, but the required run rate kept climbing, ultimately leading to her dismissal in the 12th over for 31.
Mumbai have extended their winning streak against Gujarat to 7 consecutive matches, securing a dominant victory by 47 runs to advance to the Women's T20 League finale. They will face Delhi in the championship match, capping off an impressive campaign.
Hayley Matthews to Meghna Singh, OUT! THAT'S A WRAP! Tossed up around middle and leg, Meghna Singh shimmies down the track and slogs this straight into the safe custody of Natalie Sciver-Brunt at deep mid-wicket fence. Mumbai defeats Gujarat by 47 runs and advance to the Final.
Hayley Matthews to Meghna Singh, Flatter on off, Meghna Singh defends this towards cover.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Priya Mishra, Good length on off, Priya Mishra defends this off her front foot.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Priya Mishra, Too full on middle and leg, Priya Mishra drills this back to the bowler's right.
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Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Priya Mishra, Good length on middle and leg, Priya Mishra defends this out.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Priya Mishra, WIDE! On a length wide down the leg, Priya Mishra swings and misses. Wided.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Tanuja Kanwer, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Back of the hand slower one, around off, Tanuja Kanwer looks to clear the infield on off but gets it sliced off the outside edge and finds Amanjot Kaur at cover for a simple catch.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Tanuja Kanwer, Short-pitched, around middle and leg, Tanuja Kanwer pulls this through mid-wicket for two runs.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Tanuja Kanwer, Back of a length around off, Tanuja Kanwer lofts this over the bowler for no run.
Amelia Kerr to Meghna Singh, FOUR! Tossed up around off, Meghna Singh shimmies down the track and lofts this over the ring of fielders on off for a boundary.
Amelia Kerr to Meghna Singh, Dragged down on leg, Meghna Singh looks for the flick around leg but gets it deflected off the pads towards short leg.
Amelia Kerr to Tanuja Kanwer, Short and on off, Tanuja Kanwer cuts this to point for one.
Amelia Kerr to Tanuja Kanwer, Much slower and sliding across the left-hander. Tanuja Kanwer goes for the slog but misses.
Amelia Kerr to Meghna Singh, Quicker and flatter around off, Meghna Singh cuts this towards point but a misfield allows the single.
Meghna Singh walks out next.
Amelia Kerr to Simran Shaikh, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Wrong'un around off, Simran Shaikh looks to pull this off the back foot but gets a leading edge towards the right of Harmanpreet Kaur at extra cover. Kaur runs to it and puts in a dive at the end to grab this.
Amanjot Kaur to Tanuja Kanwer, Short-pitched, around off, Tanuja Kanwer looks for the upper cut again but misses completely this time.
Amanjot Kaur to Tanuja Kanwer, Short-pitched, around off, Tanuja Kanwer looks to play the upper cut but gets it off the inside edge onto her abdomen and towards silly mid off for one. Amanjot Kaur tries for a run out but misses and gives away an extra run.
Amanjot Kaur to Simran Shaikh, Low full toss on middle and leg, Simran Shaikh flicks this to wide long on for one.
Amanjot Kaur to Tanuja Kanwer, Back of a length around off, Tanuja Kanwer pulls this flat and through mid on for one.
Amanjot Kaur to Tanuja Kanwer, FOUR! Another boundary and some happy faces in Gujarat's dugout. On a length around off, Tanuja Kanwer slices this over point and the ball spins away from the fielder to crash into the fence for four runs.
Amanjot Kaur to Tanuja Kanwer, FOUR! Cheeky from Tanuja Kanwer. On a length around off, Tanuja Kanwer plays the reverse sweep and finds the gap to the right of short third for a boundary to begin the over.
Hayley Matthews to Tanuja Kanwer, Full toss on the pads, Tanuja Kanwer flicks this to deep mid-wicket for one.
Hayley Matthews to Simran Shaikh, Floated on the pads, Simran Shaikh tucks this through square leg for one.
Hayley Matthews to Tanuja Kanwer, Tossed up around leg, Tanuja Kanwer tucks this through mid on for one.
Time for the final strategic break of the contest. Gujarat has given it a good chase but just when they have looked like knitting up a partnership, Mumbai has struck and broken through. The dismissal of Bharti Fulmali is massive for both sides as the way she batted when the two sides played last at the same venue would have kept the hopes of that Gujarat dugout alive.
Hayley Matthews to Bharti Fulmali, OUT! TIMBER! This may well be the final nail in the coffin of Gujarat's title hopes. Slower through the air and bang on off, Bharti Fulmali moves to her leg and looks to cut this past point but the batter misses the ball completely and it goes on to rattle the timber. Bharti Fulmali couldn't recreate an inning she played in the previous game against the same opponents and walks back at 30 (20).
Hayley Matthews to Bharti Fulmali, FOUR! Fuller and wide outside off, Bharti Fulmali moves to her leg and looks to loft this over cover but gets a top edge and this has landed behind the backward point fielder for yet another boundary.
76 needed off the last 29 deliveries.
Hayley Matthews to Bharti Fulmali, FOUR! Tossed up on the pads, Bharti Fulmali moves in a bit and flicks this over the vacant space at backward square leg for four runs.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Simran Shaikh, SIX! IN THE AIR AND AWAY FOR SIX! Back of the hand slower one, around off. Simran Shaikh picks it up and slogs this behind the fence towards the deep mid-wicket region for a huge six.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Simran Shaikh, WIDE! Good length wide outside off, Simran Shaikh looks to cut this but this was out of her reach. Wided. Natalie Sciver-Brunt looks surprised by the umpires decision.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Simran Shaikh, FOUR! Short-pitched around leg, Simran Shaikh pulls this flat and through deep square to her left for a boundary.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Bharti Fulmali, Good length around off, Bharti Fulmali slaps this through cover for one.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Simran Shaikh, On a length around leg, Simran Shaikh works it away for one.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Simran Shaikh, FOUR! Fielded well but dew plays its part. On a length around the pads, Simran Shaikh flicks this towards the right of Sanskriti Gupta at deep square. Gupta reaches it and fields this as well but as she was getting ready to throw it back to the keeper the ball slips out of her grasp and crashes into the boundary cushions.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Bharti Fulmali, On a length around leg, Bharti Fulmali drills this to long on for one.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt to Bharti Fulmali, WIDE! Full and way outside off. Wided.
Just 15 runs conceded and 2 wickets taken in the last 18 balls from Mumbai have almost handed them a ticket in the Finals.
Amelia Kerr to Simran Shaikh, Good length around off, Simran Shaikh defends this off her front foot.