The Women's Premier League (WPL) got off to an electrifying start at the DY Patil Sports Academy on Saturday. The tournament opener saw Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians (MI) dominating the historic, first-ever WPL match against Gujarat Giants (GG) in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Navi Mumbai.
Put to bat first, Mumbai Indians batters produced a superb show to score 207/5. It was the captain leading from the front as Kaur scored 65 off 30 balls laced with 14 boundaries. Apart from Harmanpreet's blitzkrieg, healthy contributions from Hayley Matthews (47) and Amelia Kerr (45) helped the team comfortably post a mammoth 208-run target for the opposition.
In response, Gujarat Giants were off to a horrible start as their captain Beth Mooney sustained an injury in the very first over and had to walk off the field. Their innings just couldn't get going as they started to lose one wicket after the other and were eventually bowled out for 64. Dayalan Hemalatha (29 from 23 balls) was the top-scorer for Gujarat. Number 11 batter Monica Patel (10) was the only other player to touch double figures.
Post MI's emphatic win, team owner Nita Ambani led the traditional franchise post-game dressing room celebrations.
"It is an iconic day and an iconic moment for women in sport. It’s so thrilling to be a part of the WPL,” she said after the game.
She hoped that the tournament will help motivate young girls to pursue a career in sports.
“I hope this inspires young girls across the country to take up sport, realise their dream and follow their hearts,” she stated.
Ambani was particularly pleased with the performance of the captain and Kiwi all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who also picked 2 wickets for 12 runs, after her contribution with the bat.
"I’m so proud of the way they (MI) have played. It was a great display. A special mention to our captain Harman, what a special innings she played. Amelia Kerr was fabulous, she batted well, bowled well,” she said.
MI will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in their next match on Monday.