Harmanpreet Kaur hails Saika’s game-changing over

Prior to the tournament, if one had to ask what they were looking forward to, it would have been the Indian bowlers being more confident against top players. Today was yet another exhibition from Ishaque Saika in the right direction, with her twin-wicket over changing the course of the encounter against the strong UP Warriorz side. 

Also read: Giant demolition scripts new chapter for Saika Ishaque

At 140/2 with close to four overs left, UP were well and truly on the top of the game. But then Saika happened, with the left-arm spinner dismissing both the well-set batters, Alyssa Healy (58) and Tahlia McGrath (50) in the span of two deliveries. The left-arm spinner was earlier in the day taken to the task by Healy, who scored four boundaries. 

Mumbai Indians’ skipper Harmanpreet Kaur pointed at the over and said that it was the turning point of the entire clash. 

“Saika's over was the turning point. She has been the one taking responsibility. These things happen, but I have trust on her. That is why I brought her back and she got crucial wickets. Very happy with the performance. I can't be thankful enough, the way we are playing and we are gelling together,” Harmanpreet Kaur had to say at the post-match presentation. 

“But I knew that if we are able to take one or two wickets, we could stop them, because we knew Harris was not playing and they didn't have anyone who could hit hard,” she added.

Mumbai already have four wins, and some might say, have a foot into the final of the competition. But their task was well cut out in the clash against Warriorz, who have a strong bowling unit. Harmanpreet Kaur revealed that the calculation between her and Nat Sciver-Brunt was crucial in tackling the challenge thrown by the Warriorz. 

“This is the best tournament so far. After six overs, the ball started turning in the second innings. I was a little surprised with that. Thanks to Nat, she played really well. I got time to settle in. The way they were batting, we were a little tense,” Harmanpreet had to add. 

“We were calculating very well. That time Sophie and Ismail were bowling well so we were calculating that there are other bowlers we can attack. Tomorrow is another rest day for us and again we are playing so we just need to take rest and think what we did well and how we can improve."