The inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League will continue to enthral the fans on Saturday, March 18 as Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz will be up against each other at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai. Mumbai are having a dominant run in the tournament so far as they’re unbeaten in the five matches they’ve played.
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side is also the first team to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament. With just three games left in the league stage for Mumbai, they need to win just two more to ensure they finish at the top of the points table and get a direct entry into the finals.
On the other hand, UP Warriorz are coming into this game having lost their previous two encounters against Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively. They’re ranked third on the points table with two wins to their name from five matches. Out of the three matches remaining in the league stage for UP, two are against Mumbai and Delhi who’re ranked at the first and second position respectively.
The Alyssa Healy-led side need to win two matches out of three to qualify for the knockout stage. They will face tough competition from Gujarat Giants who also have four points to their name with two matches remaining and one of them is against UP. If UP registers a win over Gujarat and beat either of Mumbai or Delhi, they will seal their place in the knockout stage.
MI-W vs UP-W Match Details
Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz, Match 15, Women’s Premier League 2023
Venue: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Date & Time: March 18, 3:30 PM IST
Telecast: Sports18
Live Streaming: JioCinema
MI-W vs UP-W Pitch Report
Out of the seven matches played at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in the tournament, five have been won by teams batting second. In the two matches won by teams batting first, a 200-plus total was scored both times. Hence the captain winning the toss will look to chase and have a set target in his mind while batting.
MI-W vs UP-W Probable Playing XIs
Mumbai Indians (MI-W):
Hayley Matthews, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Dhara Gujjar, Amelia Kerr, Issy Wong, Amanjot Kaur, Humaira Kazi, Jintimani Kalita, Saika Ishaque
UP Warriorz (UP-W):
Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Devika Vaidya, Kiran Navgire, Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath, Simran Shaikh, Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Shweta Sehrawat, Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad
MI-W vs UP-W Probable Best Performers
Probable best batter
Alyssa Healy:
Healy is the highest run-scorer for UP in the tournament and the fourth highest overall with 186 runs to her name in five innings at an average of 46.50 and a strike rate of 153.71 with two half-centuries to her name.
She also has the highest individual score in the tournament so far as she scored a blistering 96* off 47 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore. After getting out cheaply in the last match, Healy will look to once again lead from the front and give a strong start to her side against Mumbai.
Probable best bowler:
Saika Ishaque:
The left-arm orthodox bowler is the leading wicket-taker of the tournament so far with 12 wickets to her name in five matches at an average of 8.58 and an economy of 5.66. Saika has been a consistent performer for Mumbai throughout the tournament as she has picked important wickets in the middle order. Having remained wicketless in the previous encounter against Gujarat Giants, the 27-year-old will be eager to bamboozle UP batters in the upcoming fixture.
Today’s Match Prediction: Mumbai Indians to win the match
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
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