Women change the fortune of Mumbai Indians in the opening encounter

Mumbai Indians have an unwanted record in the Indian Premier League. Rohit Sharma-led IPL team, despite winning the league multiple times, has hardly won the opening matches in the Indian Premier League so far. Since its inception, Mumbai Indians have won the opening game of the league just four times. They last won it in 2012 against Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets. Since then, no matter how balanced the team combination is, how deadly the bowling attack is, how stunning the performances are, Mumbai Indians failed to win the opening match of any IPL season.

What happened?

When Mumbai Indians acquired the services of a bunch of world-class cricketers for the women’s version of Indian Premier League i.e., Women’s Premier League, fans were worried about their poor start to the tournament. Eventually the women accomplished what the men could not. Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreetkaur gave a blasting start to Mumbai Indians women’s WPL 2023 campaign against Gujarat Giants.

Beth Mooney-led Gujarat Giants decided to bowl first after winning the toss.  Hayley Matthews gave a fine start to Mumbai Indians with her 31-ball 47. Later Harmanpreet Kaur completed the first half-century of the Women’s Premier League 2023 in just 22 balls. Her 30-ball 65 along with Amelia Kerr’s unbeaten 45 off 24 took Mumbai Indians total above 200. Gujarat Giants, while chasing 208 lost their captain and the star batter Beth Mooney to injury (retired hurt). Once Mooney left, they started losing wickets consecutively and in no time were all out for just 64. A clinical performance by SaikaIshaque with the ball (3.1-1-11-4) saw Mumbai Indians winning the match by a massive 143 runs. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr also took two wickets each.

Not over, yet

Fun fact is that Mumbai Indians failed to win IPL title in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 despite winning the opening games. Clearly, fans will look up to Mumbai Indians Women to break another streak as well. Meanwhile they cannot stop cheering for the side and celebrating the moment!