Follow UsDefending champions Mumbai Indians were completely outplayed in their final group stage match in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). They could muster just 113, thanks to a superb spell by Ellyse Perry, whose six wickets completely dented MI's chances of getting to a competitive total.
However, head coach Charlotte Edwards brushes the seven-wicket defeat and says the team's focus is on Friday (March 15), where her side will once again be up against RCB in the Eliminator.
A frustrating watch because we got off to a good start. Disappointing for us. It sometimes happens in T20 cricket. We will learn from tonight. We probably played too many balls across the line," Edwards said in the post-match press conference.
"Perry bowled well tonight, it was an outstanding spell. Maybe if we’d gotten to 140, who knows. We had the chance to put RCB under pressure. We didn’t take our chances, so, look, it wasn’t our best night. We are second in the competition, and we have a massive game come Friday. Our thoughts are firmly now on Friday.
"She is the greatest player I have seen with bat and ball and on the field. She is an unbelievable person as well. We are lucky to have Ellyse in our game as a role model.
"I have had the opportunity of working with her in the Sydney Sixers. What I admire the most about her is whether she is playing Club cricket, WPL or international cricket, she plays it the same way, which is highly commendable."
Speaking of Perry's performance with the ball, Edwards said, "I’ve seen her bowl a few of these spells, to be honest. Some have been against England. Some have been when I’ve been coaching her in the WBBL. Sometimes, you just have to say well done to the opposition when they’ve done better than us. It’s a new slate on Friday. That’s what the exciting thing now is. We have to look forward and not behind us."
Edwards also expressed disappointment over the middle-order's failure to seize the opportunity after MI lost a few wickets in a flurry. "That’s what I am most disappointed about tonight," the former England captain said.
"There was some good opportunity for our lower order to show us what they can do. They didn’t take those opportunities, and that is something I will discuss with them. Sometimes they have not been in those situations where they have been lower down, and that is part of the learning process in this tournament for those domestic players.
"Great learnings for us, but ultimately disappointed that we weren’t able to get that total that could put pressure on RCB."
Edwards is also pleased with the young talent coming through in the WPL. MI already have had S Sajana and, most recently, against RCB, Priyanka Bala, showcase their skills in their limited opportunities so far.
"That’s what I enjoy most about in this competition, watching those youngsters come through. Watching Shabnam Shakil last night and what an exciting prospect she is. What a lovely girl she is, I met her the other night. Shreyanka Patil playing for India. There is some wonderful talent India is blessed with," Edwards reckons.
"Even Richa Ghosh is only 20. The rest of the world must watch out because this talent is coming though. It will only unearth more in the future, which is very exciting for Indian cricket."