Daijiworld Media Network- Lucknow

Lucknow, Mar 7: Hayley Matthews’ explosive knock and Amelia Kerr’s superb five-wicket haul powered Mumbai Indians to a commanding six-wicket victory over UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The emphatic win not only boosted MI’s net run rate but also propelled them to second place in the standings with eight points, just two behind table-toppers Delhi Capitals, who have played an extra game.

Chasing a modest target of 151 at the dew-laden Ekana Stadium, MI lost Amelia Kerr (10) early. However, Matthews took charge, smashing a 46-ball 68 in a match-winning 92-run stand with Nat Sciver-Brunt, who contributed a quickfire 37 off 23 deliveries. The duo stitched together their partnership in just 58 balls, ensuring Mumbai remained in control. Matthews played fluently off the back foot, piercing the off-side field with precision, and brought up her second half-century of the season against UPW with a classy boundary through point and cover-point.

Earlier, after being put in to bat, UP Warriorz looked set for a competitive total, but Mumbai’s bowlers turned the game around in style. New Zealand leg-spinner Kerr was the wrecker-in-chief, returning sensational figures of 5/38—becoming only the sixth player in WPL history to claim a five-wicket haul. Matthews also contributed with the ball, picking up 2/25, as Warriorz struggled to build momentum.

With this defeat, UP Warriorz slumped to their third consecutive loss, leaving them on the brink of elimination.

Brief Scores:

UP Warriorz: 150/9 (Voll 55, Harris 28, Deepti 27; Kerr 5/38, Matthews 2/25)

Mumbai Indians: 153/4 in 18.3 overs (Matthews 68, Sciver-Brunt 37; Harris 2/11)