“Masterclass to kick start WPL!”- Twitter erupts as Harmanpreet Kaur feasts on Gujarat bowlers to light up DY Patil Stadium in curtain raiser of inaugural WPL
She took just 22 balls to score her half-century, off a four, at a massive strike rate of around 230.
Follow Us
Harmanpreet Kaur
The wait is over. The tournament, which promises to bring a revolution in the women’s games in India has finally kicked off. After watching Bollywood stars’ breathtaking performances at the DY Patil Stadium, all geared up for the historic event- Women’s Premier League’s (WPL) first match between Harmanpreet Kaur‘s Mumbai Indians and Beth Mooney‘s Gujarat Giants on Saturday (March 4).
Mooney won the toss and decided to field first. Though Tanuja Kanwar dismissed Yastika Bhatia in the third over, it did not interrupt the run flow. Hayley Matthews would have become the first player to slam a ton in the tournament had not Ashleigh Gardner hit her off-pole after the inside edge. Her 47 runs from 31 balls were laced with four maximums and three boundaries, at a strike rate of 151.61.
And when the West Indies power-hitter walked back to the dugout, came in skipper Harmanpreet Kaur to light up the stadium by slamming the first-ever 50 of the tournament. She was all guns blazing from the word go and Giants’ bowlers could do nothing to stop her. She took just 22 balls to score her half-century, off a four, at a massive strike rate of around 230. And at the same time, MI put on 150 on the scoreboard.
Check how Twitter reacted to masterclass of Harmanpreet Kaur
It needed Sneh Rana’s delivery to stop Harmanpreet Kaur. Her fuller ball turned away after pitching. Harman tried to loft it but mistimed it, after which the ball flew toward the backward point region for Dayalan Hemalatha to grab an easy catch. She departed after a 30-ball 65-run knock, including 14 boundaries.
When at one end, Harman was feasting on Gujarat bowlers, Amelia Kerr was smashing boundaries at regular intervals. Kerr remained unbeaten with a score of 45 off 24 balls with six boundaries and a maximum at an impressive strike rate of 187.50.
In the end, Mumbai Indians put on a massive total of 207/5 in their allotted 20 overs. And what else the packed DY Patil Stadium will need in the inaugural season’s first game? Now it’s up to Beth Mooney and co. to produce something extraordinary to chase down this giant target.
In case you missed:
Stay Updated!
Gouri Das
(4694 Articles Published)