Mumbai Indians returned to winning ways in the Women’s Premier League on Saturday with a commanding 50-run victory over Delhi Capitals, producing a clinical performance with both bat and ball.
After the
disappointment of a last-ball loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru a day earlier, the defending champions responded in emphatic fashion, powered by unbeaten half-centuries from Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur, followed by a decisive bowling display.
Batting first, Mumbai Indians posted a strong 195 for 4, recovering well after an early setback. Amelia Kerr endured another tough outing with the bat, edging behind off the first ball, but Sciver-Brunt quickly stabilised the innings. She found early support from Gunalan Kamalini, with the pair adding 49 runs to steady Mumbai through the powerplay and early middle overs.
Big Hits
Sciver-Brunt rediscovered her rhythm after a below-par effort the previous night, striking a fluent 46-ball 70 that featured 13 boundaries. She took the attack to Chinelle Henry early, collecting 10 runs in the second over, and continued to punish loose deliveries, especially anything short of length. Kamalini chipped in with useful runs and hit two boundaries in the seventh over before being dismissed by Nandani Sharma.
Harmanpreet Kaur then joined Sciver-Brunt and the experienced duo stitched together a crucial 66-run partnership for the third wicket. Sciver-Brunt reached her half-century off just 32 balls, while Harmanpreet ensured the momentum did not dip. After Sciver-Brunt was dismissed, caught by Jemimah Rodrigues off Shree Charani, Harmanpreet took full control of the innings.
The Mumbai skipper finished unbeaten on 74 off 42 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes. Her acceleration at the death lifted Mumbai to a formidable total, ensuring Delhi Capitals were left with a steep chase under lights.
Turning Points
Delhi Capitals’ batting depth looked strong enough to put a fight but their reply faltered badly in the middle overs as Mumbai’s bowlers seized control. Nicola Carey produced a decisive spell, removing Shafali Verma and Laura Wolvaardt in the fifth over to reduce Delhi to 33 for 3. The collapse worsened quickly, with Delhi slipping to 46 for 5 in the seventh over and losing their grip on the chase.
Sciver-Brunt backed up her batting effort with the ball, claiming two wickets while conceding 29 runs, further denting Delhi’s hopes. Amelia Kerr also made amends for her batting failure by returning impressive figures of 3 for 24, keeping the pressure firmly on the Capitals.
Chinelle Henry offered resistance with a counter-attacking 56 off 33 balls, but with wickets falling regularly at the other end, her effort only delayed the inevitable. Delhi were eventually bowled out for 145 in the 19th over, sealing a comprehensive win for the Mumbai Indians and underlining the champions’ ability to bounce back strongly after early setbacks.
