‘Kamal ki wapasi ki hai UP team ne’ – Fans react as UP Warriorz defeat Mumbai Indians Women by seven wickets in WPL 2024

The match number 6  of the Women’s Premier League (2024) WPL saw the defending champions, Mumbai Indians Womens (MUM-W) up against the UP Warriorz (UP-W) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday. In the game it was, UP Warriorz secured their maiden victory of the WPL 2024 in impressive fashion. Facing the defending champions, Warriorz delivered a stellar performance, clinching a commanding 7-wicket win with 21 balls remaining.

UP-W comfortably chased down a target of 162, which is sure to boost their confidence. MI Women sorely felt the absence of key players such as Harmanpreet Kaur and Shabnim Ismail during the match. After winning the toss, Alyssa Healy opted to field first. MI Women encountered difficulties in getting their innings going early on. Despite surviving some chances, Hayley Mathews struggled to accelerate as desired by MI Women.

While she managed to score a fifty, it fell short of expectations. However, some valuable contributions from Amelia Kerr, Isabelle Wong, and Pooja Vastrakar in the latter stages proved vital for MI. Their useful innings helped MI Women reach a total of 161 runs. Each bowler from UP Warriorz claimed a wicket. The overseas pair of Grace Harris and Sophie Ecclestone maintained economical bowling spells. Harris also played a crucial role in the successful chase. However, the opening partnership of UP Warriorz ultimately sealed the fate of the game with their efficient performance.

Grace Harris and Kiran Navgire help UP-W register their first win

In the pursuit of the target, UP’s opening duo, skipper Alyssa Healy and star batter Kiran Navgire forged an impressive partnership of 94 runs for the first wicket. Healy compiled 33 runs from 29 deliveries, including 5 fours, while Kiran showcased a superb half-century, amassing 57 runs from just 31 balls, featuring 6 fours and a six.

Besides the opening pair, middle-order star Grace Harris blazed to 38 runs off a mere 17 balls, striking 6 fours and a six, while Deepti Sharma contributed 27 runs off 20 balls, including 4 fours, aiding UP Warriorz Women in successfully chasing down the target. Despite Amelia Kerr and Issy Wong securing 1 and 2 wickets, respectively for Mumbai Indians Women, it wasn’t enough to alter the outcome.

Ultimately, UP Warriorz Women clinched a convincing victory, winning by a substantial margin of 7 wickets, reaching 163 runs for the loss of only 3 wickets in 16.3 overs, with 21 balls to spare. Kiran Navgire was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ accolade for her pivotal knock of 57 runs off just 31 balls. This defeat marks the first loss for defending champions Mumbai Indians Women in the ongoing edition of the Women’s Premier League.

Let us look at how Twitter has reacted to this win from UP-W;

https://twitter.com/PmDeshma/status/1762889829686370453

https://twitter.com/Iamsankot/status/1762888498720464991

https://twitter.com/deekshi_aithal/status/1762888357972164900

Congratulations UP

— Pushpendra Chahar (@Pushpendra8454) February 28, 2024

Fantastic win by Lucknow……

— Hriday Singh (@hridaysingh16) February 28, 2024

https://twitter.com/Quotes4better_/status/1762888501446762595

1st win for upw.

— sujay anand (@imsujayanand) February 28, 2024

https://twitter.com/LegalMemer_/status/1762888363517075485