Captain Harmanpreet Kaur's pivotal fifty set the stage for a thrilling finish as Sajeevan Sajana's last-ball six clinched a four-wicket victory for Mumbai Indians against Delhi Capitals in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 opener on February 23. In a nail-biting chase of 172, Mumbai Indians kept the contest alive until the very end.
Sajeevan Sajan's last-ball six steals the show
Requiring five runs from the final delivery, Sajana delivered a match-winning six off Alice Capsey, securing a win for the defending champions.
With a not so challenging task to defend five runs in one ball, Alice Capsey came close to sealing the match by dismissing Harmanpreet Kaur on the penultimate delivery, leaving the new batter Sajana with the daunting task of hitting a six for victory. However, Capsey slightly misjudged her length, delivering a fuller ball on the middle stump. Seizing the opportunity, Sajana charged down the track, cleared her front leg, and smashed the ball into the long-on stands, igniting euphoria among her team members. Sajana's jubilant celebration contrasted with Capsey's disbelief at the turn of events. Harmanpreet also shared in the excitement, knowing Mumbai had maintained their unbeaten streak while chasing. Prior to this match, they had won all five of their previous encounters batting second in the WPL 2023. With this triumph, the defending champions extended their record to six consecutive wins while chasing.
Harman-Yastika's perfect fifties
Mumbai Indians wrapped up their innings at 173/6 in the allotted 20 overs. Leading the charge for Mumbai Indians, captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 55 runs, while wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia added a valuable 57 from 45 balls, including eight fours and two sixes. Amelia Kerr, with a crucial 24, partnered with Harmanpreet to add 44 runs for the fourth wicket.
Alice Capsey's all-round show in vain
Earlier, Alice Capsey demonstrated her exceptional talent with a dynamic fifty, propelling Delhi Capitals to a formidable score of 171/5 against the reigning champions Mumbai Indians.
The 19-year-old English sensation lived up to her burgeoning reputation as a future cricket star with a stellar performance of 75 runs off 53 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, affirming the buzz surrounding her potential.
Capsey stepped up to bat alongside her captain Meg Lanning (31 off 25 balls, 3x4, 1x6) following the early dismissal of opener Shafali Verma by veteran fast bowler Shabnim Ismail.
The duo of Capsey and Lanning quickly compiled 64 runs in a little over eight overs after a cautious beginning, with Delhi standing at 26 for 1 after the initial six Power Play overs.
The momentum shifted when Capsey launched an assault, driving the seasoned English bowler Nat Sciver-Brunt for two consecutive fours through mid-wicket.
Lanning struck the match and tournament's first six, lifting leg-spinner S Keerthana over long-on, though their partnership was soon halted by Brunt, who managed to dismiss Lanning. Nevertheless, Capsey continued her aggressive play alongside vice-captain Jemimah Rodrigues (42 off 24, 5x4, 2x6), amassing 73 runs in a thrilling third-wicket stand over 7.3 overs. Capsey was especially harsh on leg-spinner and fellow countrywoman Amelia Kerr, hitting her for two fours, although Kerr eventually dismissed Capsey LBW. Despite this, the Capitals had already established a strong foothold in the game.
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