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A dream start, everything went in our favour: Harmanpreet Kaur

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Last updated on 04 Mar 2023 | 06:28 PM
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A dream start, everything went in our favour: Harmanpreet Kaur

The Mumbai Indians skipper led from the front with an explosive 30-ball 65

It was a perfect day for Mumbai Indians (MI) who started off their Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023 campaign with a comprehensive 143-run victory against Gujarat Giants (GG) in the first-ever game of the competitions. 

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a brilliant 30-ball 65. New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr to played her part with an all-round performance before Hayley Matthews showed all her class and experience with 47 off 31 that helped MI put up a formidable 207 for 5 on the board.

In reply, GG were bundled out for just 64 with left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque bagging four wickets. Speaking of the game Harmanpreet said she could not have asked for a better start and was pleased with the way everything fell in place for her team.

"It was a brilliant start. Feeling like dream come true....first day. We were hoping all things going our way, and they were in our favour," Harmanpreet said at the post-match presentation.

Harmanpreet also revealed that she instructed her players to play their natural game ahead of the historic match. "We kept things simple and clear. Told players to play natural. Obviously its a big day for women's cricket but it was all about backing yourself," the MI skipper said.

Speaking of her innings, Harmanpreet said she looked to play according to the situation. "I just thought I will watch the ball and back myself. I will not think too much, and instead react to the situation," she said.

In chase of 208, GG lost their skipper Beth Mooney in the first over after she twisted her ankle. Stand-in skipper Sneh Rana though remained mum over the extent of her injury. With GG set to play UP Warriorz tomorrow, it is not clear if Mooney would be available to lead the side.

However, despite this mammoth loss, Rana remains confident that her team will come back stronger. "This is just the start. Some people take time to soak this in, some do it quicker. This was a learning experience and we will come back stronger," Rana said.

Rana stands a chance to lead GG in case Mooney is not fit to take field.  "I want to stand-up for whatever the team needs, if I do get captaincy, we'll try and execute our plans better," the all-rounder said.

"This was just the first match, we need to keep our heads high, we have players who have done well at the domestic level and we'll certainly look to comeback stronger tomorrow."

While GG are in action tomorrow, MI have a day's rest before they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Monday (March 6). 

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