WPL 2023 Playoffs, MI vs UPW: Two spin dependant sides to compete for spot in finals
While MI won its first five games, it was UPW that stopped MI's winning run. The clash between Harmanpreet Kaur's MI and Alyssa Healy's UPW will be something a cricket fan would not like to miss out on.
New Delhi: With Delhi Capitals in the finals of the inaugural edition of WPL, all eyes are on Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz, who will face each other in the playoffs on March 24. While MI won its first five games, it was UPW that stopped MI’s winning run. The clash between Harmanpreet Kaur’s MI and Alyssa Healy’s UPW will be something a cricket fan would not like to miss out on.
MI’s spinners, top order crucial for their success
Mumbai Indians have three of the top three wicket-takers in the tournament in Amelia Kerr, Saika Ishaque and Hayley Matthews. Both the spinners have picked 13 wickets in eight games and have been the key to MI’s success. Even after losing two games in a row, Kerr’s 22/3 against RCB ended their league stage with a win. While Ishaque has been the emerging star, Matthews has taken the responsibility to deliver in the powerplay with both bat and ball.
MI also depends a lot on its top order. Matthews and Kaur have been important for them to win while Nat Sciver-Brunt has also scored crucial runs at a good strike rate. With the tournament turning low-scoring and wickets falling quickly, MI has a stable top order but the lower order is still a concern.
Hayley Matthews has scored 232 runs in eight innings and Harmanpreet has scored 230 runs in seven innings and that too at a strike rate of close to 150. Kaur has also been great with her captaincy and backing her players.
UPW has batting powerhouse with world-class spin attack
UPW has the likes of Tahlia McGrath, Alyssa Healy and Grace Harris, who are all capable match-winners and have proven in the tournament. McGrath is just behind Meg Lanning in the race for the orange cap with 295 runs at a strike rate of about 160. Skipper Healy has scored 242 runs and who can forget her 96* against RCB while Grace Harris has been exceptional in scoring 216 runs in just four innings, at a strike rate of 170.
Woman in-form and the leading wicketaker Sophie Ecclestone is by their side, alongside India’s golden arm Deepti Sharma and Rajeshwari Gayakwad. Meanwhile, the U-19 star Parshavi Chopra also picked up wickets and has shown some character. The only problem comes with some young Indian players who might have to stand up to the big occassion. UPW will need Shweta Sehrawat, if she plays, and KP Navgire to step up.
Prediction
The match begins at 7:30 pm at the DY Patil Stadium and while MI’s got the experience of winning, UPW will not fail to entertain with their fireworks. However, they would need Grace Harris to have recovered from the minor injury. The game is expected to be balanced and a nail biter with a slight advantage to MI. Though, the pitch might be spin friendly, it is not as spin condusive as Brabourn and pacers will have a role to play.