That's a wrap for this match! The Women's T20 League action continues on February 22nd, 2025, with a thrilling encounter between Delhi and UP, scheduled to start at 7:30 pm IST (2 pm GMT). Join us an hour early for pre-match buildup and analysis. Until then, goodbye!
Amanjot Kaur, the Player of the Match, expressed her delight at her performance, which played a crucial role in Mumbai's victory. She revealed that she had anticipated Kanika Ahuja might bowl one over, and knowing that she had a favorable match-up against Kanika's off-spin deliveries, Amanjot waited for the opportunity to strike.
Mumbai skipper Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her relief at securing a win, stating that her team had aimed to play good cricket despite knowing that the home crowd would be a significant factor in favor of Bengaluru. She revealed that they had planned to stay focused and united in the face of this challenge. Kaur explained that the decision to bat first was influenced by the expectation of dew, which they anticipated would make batting easier in the second innings. The captain praised her team's clarity on their roles, which she believes makes her job easier. With a lineup boasting immense quality, Kaur credited her players for their awareness of their responsibilities. Kaur specifically highlighted Amanjot Kaur's composure under pressure, lauding her teammate's ability to remain calm in a tough situation and deliver a crucial performance.
Smriti Mandhana, captain of Bengaluru reflected on the team's performance, stating that there wasn't a single turning point in the game. Instead, she praised her team's fightback and Ellyse Perry's brilliant contribution to posting a defendable total. Mandhana acknowledged that the team's batting performance was not up to par, but refrained from being overly critical, considering it was their first time batting first in the tournament. Mandhana also shared her observations on the playing conditions, noting that the ball was coming onto the bat nicely and the spinners were getting some turn. She highlighted the importance of adapting to the conditions and making strategic decisions during the game. The captain expressed her team's determination to stay in the game, even after Mumbai's strong start. She emphasized the significance of taking wickets in T20 cricket, stating that two or three wickets can help a team get back in the game.
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Charlotte Edwards, the head coach of Mumbai, expressed her delight at the team's victory, stating that she was "pretty happy" with the outcome. She acknowledged that beating Bengaluru in front of their home crowd was a special achievement. Edwards attributed the team's success in the tournament to the outstanding performances of Indian domestic players. She singled out Amanjot Kaur's partnership with Harmanpreet Kaur as a highlight, praising Amanjot's "pretty special" sixes in the closing stages of the game. The coach also reflected on the team's previous match against Gujarat, noting that they had learned from their mistakes and improved as a result. She heaped praise on young player Kamalini, describing her as a "superstar" with a bright future ahead. Edwards emphasized that the team had taken a focused approach, concentrating on one game at a time. She believed that bowling first had played to their advantage, and was pleased with the team's calm and composed performance under pressure. Ultimately, Edwards was thrilled that her team had managed to "get across the line" and secure a hard-fought victory.
Bengaluru, batting first, posted a decent total on the board. They got off to a flying start, with the opening pair adding 29 runs inside the first three overs. At 47/1 after 4.4 overs, Bengaluru were in a strong position, but a sudden collapse saw them lose three wickets in quick succession, leaving them struggling at 57/3 after 7.2 overs. However, Richa Ghosh and Ellyse Perry steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Perry top-scored for Bengaluru, while Richa and Smriti Mandhana made valuable contributions. Amanjot Kaur was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets, while the other bowlers, except for Kerr, chipped in with one wicket each.
Bengaluru's bowling performance was inconsistent, with moments of brilliance interspersed with periods of struggle. They started poorly, but then regained control in the middle phase, only to let the game slip away in the final overs. Georgia Wareham was the standout bowler, taking three wickets, while Kim Garth picked up two and Ekta Bisht chipped in with one. Despite some impressive individual performances, the Bengaluru bowling unit ultimately couldn't contain Mumbai's batting might.
Mumbai's chase of 167 was off to a flying start, with 66 runs coming in the first 6 overs, despite losing their openers. Natalie Sciver-Brunt was on fire, but her dismissal after the break put Mumbai in a tricky spot. However, Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur took charge, stitching a crucial 62-run partnership. The game-changing moment came in the 19th over, where Amanjot Kaur took Kanika Ahuja for 16 runs, almost sealing the deal for Mumbai. Harmanpreet Kaur top-scored with a half-century, but notable contributions from Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Amanjot Kaur, and others made this chase a success.
What a nail-biter! Mumbai's 4-wicket win has left the Bengaluru crowd stunned, but thoroughly entertained! This match was an absolute treat for cricket fans, with twists and turns that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The spectators have got their money's worth, witnessing an unforgettable contest that will be etched in their memories for a long time!
In over# 20
4
1
1
2
0
Ekta Bisht 37/1(3.5)
19.5
4
FOUR! Kamalini G FINISHES OFF IN STYLE! The 16-year-old, Kamalini G hits the winning runs and this would do a world of good to her confidence going ahead in the league and her career. Tossed up around off, Kamalini G dances down the track and drives this through cover for four. Mumbai wins this by 4 wickets.
19.4
1
Mumbai were defending two off two in their season opener and now they need the same to win this contest. Floated around leg, Amanjot Kaur flicks this to deep mid-wicket for one.
19.3
1
A single towards Ellyse Perry down at long on and the equation now reads 3 off the last 3 balls for Mumbai to chase this down.
19.2
2
In the air and down for two. Tossed up around leg, Kamalini G lofts this towards wide long on for one.
19.1
.
Fuller on middle and leg, Kamalini G tucks this to mid-wicket for no run.
Just 6 needed now off the final over. The penultimate over costed Bengaluru 16 runs. Bengaluru is past the allocated inning timer and they will need an extra fielder inside the circle. A blessing in disguise for them? Time will tell.
In over# 19
6
1
2
1
0
6
Kanika Ahuja 28/0(2)
18.6
6
SIX! AMANJOT KAUR, YOU BEAUTY! Fuller, around middle and leg, Amanjot Kaur dances down the track and slogs this way behind the fence towards long on for a massive six.