Opening the batting suits my game: Yastika Bhatia

Mumbai Indians are in the midst of a dream run in the ongoing Women's Premier League after having won their first four matches of the tournament in a  dominating fashion. 

In pursuit of 160 runs against a high-flying UP Warriorz, the Mumbai outfit were off to a flyer in the powerplay courtesy of a 27-ball 47 by Yastika Bhatia at the top of the order. 

The southpaw along with Hayley Matthews forged a 58-run stand in the first seven overs to lay a solid foundation for the Mumbai side. In the post-match press conference, the opening batter shared insights into the performance of the team in the competition and her role in the side. 

"Playing for Mumbai Indians is a privilege. I am lucky to be part of the team and getting a chance to open the innings feels even better. Since childhood, I have always opened the batting, and it suits me. I enjoy batting at the top of the order as I get more balls to build my innings. I also concentrate on the process and not on the result," she said. 

"From day one, our coaches and support staff have told us to play with freedom and express ourselves. They back us so that we can improve ourselves. I enjoy playing in Mumbai as the wickets here are similar to those at Baroda from where I belong," she further added. 

Another find for the Mumbai Indians this season has been the performance of Saika Ishaque, who is the leading wicket-taker of the league with 12 wickets in four innings at an average of 6.91. 

"Saika has been a really good bowler for us. She has been taking wickets consistently at the domestic level, and it was just a matter of time before she performed at this level," she concluded. 

Mumbai Indians will now face Gujarat Giants on Tuesday, March 14 at the same venue.