Mumbai’s X-factor: All-rounders
Packing the team with all-rounders was one of the key factors that paid off for MI
At the end of the auction for the inaugural WPL, the overseas all-rounders in the Mumbai Indians squad made them stand out.
In Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Hayley Matthews and Amelia Kerr they had world class cricketers and it seemed certain the trio would lend great balance to the side.
While they did prove instrumental in MI emerging the first WPL champions on Sunday, at the end of the tournament their all-round strength stood out in more ways than one.
MI notched up winning streaks of five matches and then three, with two losses in the middle, to claim the title. In Heather Graham, MI had the only Australia player — the most powerful nation in women’s cricket. It was a bold move as the Aussie players are serial winners and proved to be major assets in the other four teams.
It did not matter as MI found match-winners aplenty in the squad.
Captain’s show
Just over a month before the final, Harmanpreet had looked distraught after India’s close semi-final loss to Australia in the T20 World Cup. After the 2017 ODI World Cup, 2020 T20 World Cup and 2022 CWG, it was another opportunity missed for Harmanpreet and India.
On Sunday night though, she looked at peace and laughed heartily after MI’s triumph. Harmanpreet said an ICC title remains on her wish list but winning an important trophy meant a lot.
The 34-year-old was tactically astute and was among the runs throughout. She started the tournament with a bang and finished as the fourth highest scorer (281 runs) with three 50s and an average of 40.14 (S/R 135.09). In the final too, it was her stand with Sciver-Brunt that guided MI towards victory.
“Feels great to be on the winning side,” said Harmanpreet. “I am happy that as captain I could win something so important for women’s cricket.”
Indian players may not have got too many opportunities. But if you talk about fielding, they were always there. They were ready to do anything for the team.
HARMANPREET, MI skipper
Overseas might
Matthews was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with Sophie Ecclestone (16 each), Issy Wong and Kerr were the second highest wicket-takers (with Saika Ishaque — 15); Sciver-Brunt was joint-fourth highest (10). In the batting list, Sciver-Brunt was second and Matthews was fifth. Wong was the only bowler to take a hat-trick.
Mumbai’s overseas players shouldered the responsibility and produced clutch performances. The franchise put its faith in all-rounders and it led them to the title.
Sciver-Brunt was a rock at the business end of the competition. She was the Player-of-the- Match in the eliminator and the final for knocks of 72* and 60*. “Since the day this team was formed, we were only talking about getting more all-rounders in,” said Harmanpreet. “Having all-rounders gives a balance to your team.”
Ishaque’s impact
MI won five straight matches to begin their campaign and a key performer during that phase was Ishaque. The uncapped 27-year-old from Bengal was picked by MI at her base price of ₹10 lakh and she proved a game-changer. In the first four matches, she bagged 12 wickets. The left-arm spinner dismissed some of the best in the business — Alyssa Healy, Tahlia McGrath, Meg Lanning, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues and Sophie Devine. With Ishaque providing a solid wicket-taking option, Harmanpreet had more freedom to rotate her bowlers.
Elite fielding
Harmanpreet won the Bestcatch-of-the-Season award for her effort to dismiss UPW opener Devika Vaidya. The skipper was ably supported by teammates as MI emerged the best fielding side in the tournament.
Amanjot Kaur was exceptional. In the eliminator against UPW, the 23-year-old’s sensational effort helped run out McGrath, the top-ranked batter in the world. In the final, her immaculate throw from cover led to the run out of Lanning.
“Indian players may not have got too many opportunities. But if you talk about fielding, they were always there,” said Harmanpreet.
“They knew that even if they didn’t get the chance to bat or bowl, there was one department in which they could contribute. They were ready to do anything for the team.”