In Match 18 of the current Women’s Premier League (WPL) season, Mumbai Indians (MI), league leaders, will take on Delhi Capitals (DC). On Monday, March 20, the eagerly anticipated match will take place at the DY Patil Sports Academy Stadium in Navi Mumbai. So far in the marquee tournament, Mumbai has played thrilling cricket and won their first five games, earning a playoff spot.
However, when UP Warriorz (UPW) handed the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team their first defeat of the season, they ran into a roadblock. In contrast, Delhi has won four of their six matches to rank second in the WPL. As they attempt to knock MI off the top spot, the unit led by Meg Lanning will undoubtedly want to put Mumbai through a lot.
Saika Ishaque – MI
Saika Ishaque returned with figures of 0/22 against UP, failing to take even one wicket for the second game in a row in the tournament.
The left-arm spinner has conceded runs at an economy rate of just 5.64, the lowest of any bowler in the WPL, giving the impression that batters enjoy playing her.
Mumbai will be hoping that the 27-year-old can regain her previous form from the tournament’s first four matches. Ishaque will stay a major danger given that she is as yet the joint-most elevated wicket-taker with 12 scalps at a normal of 10.42.
Shikha Pandey – DC
Another bowler who stayed wicketless in her last trip, Shikha Pandey neglected to leave an imprint in the three overs she bowled against Gujarat. Having said that, Pandey has taken the most wickets for Delhi so far in the tournament, taking eight at an average of 18.87 and an economy of 6.86.
Having stayed wicketless against Gujarat, Pandey will need to get urgent wickets for her side against Mumbai and gain the high ground in the crunch tie.
Amelia Kerr – MI
Given Amelia Kerr’s subpar recent batting performance, Mumbai should exercise caution as the tournament’s final stretch approaches.
She has, however, been a crucial asset for her team when the ball is in play, outwitting several opposing batters with her cunning off-spin. Kerr has ten wickets to her name and has posed a constant threat with the ball.
The Kiwi international will be determined to stamp her authority and add to her tally on Monday, having suffered six losses in her previous three bouts.