Harmanpreet Kaur was a proud captain as Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Delhi Capitals (DC) by seven wickets in the final to clinch the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) title at Brabourne Stadium on Sunday (March 26).
Opting to bat first, the Capitals posted 131/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper Meg Lanning was the top scorer with 29-ball 35 while the duo of Radha Yadav (27* off 12) and Shikha Pandey (27* off 17) played handy cameos in the death overs.
Hayley Matthews starred with the ball for MI, claiming three wickets by conceding only five runs in her four overs. Issy Wong (3-42) also returned with three scalps whereas Melie Kerr (2-18) chipped in with a couple of wickets.
In reply, MI rode on Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 60 off 55 balls to overhaul the target with three deliveries to spare.
Speaking after the game, Harmanpreet, who scored 37 off 39 balls in the chase, said it was a great experience for everyone involved while also adding that they had been waiting for a tournament like the WPL for many years.
“Great experience, we were waiting for so many years. Everyone enjoyed this throughout the dressing room. It feels like a dream, for everyone here. So many people were asking when WPL will come and that day is here, and we are so happy and proud,” said Harmanpreet.
Talking about the final, Harmanpreet said she was happy that everyone in the team rose to the occasion. She also admitted they were lucky that the full tosses went in their favour, referring to Issy Wong’s three full tosses that resulted in three wickets during DC’s innings.
“I think having a long batting line-up, we had to go there and express. Very happy with how everyone performed. I think staying positive is key, we were lucky with full tosses going in our favor,” she added.
Harmanpreet further said that this is a special moment for the whole MI team, while joking that now she knows what it feels like to be on the winning side.
Notably, Harmanpreet had lost the finals of the T20 World Cup 2020 and the Common Wealth Games 2022 as an Indian captain against Australia’s Meg Lanning.
“This is a special moment for all of us, I have been waiting a long time and today I know what it feels like to be winning (laughs). Great experience and waiting for next year,” said Harmanpreet.
