WPL 2024/25, MI-W vs UPW-W 11th Match Match Preview

WPL 2024/25, MI-W vs UPW-W 11th Match Match Preview

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Mumbai Indians face UP Warriorz at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, 7:30 PM IST, in a high-stakes match featuring two in-form teams. Both squads have recently bested RCB, though Warriorz’s batting remains shaky, relying on lower-order performances from players like Chinelle Henry and Sophie Ecclestone. MI, refreshed from a four-day break, struggles at the top, with Yastika Bhatia underperforming. Potential lineup changes are being discussed for both teams, including UP Warriorz considering Chamari Athapaththu. Key players to watch include Amanjot Kaur, who excelled against RCB, and the versatile Ecclestone, vital for both batting and bowling.

Who’s participating

Mumbai Indians vs UP Warriorz
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7.30pm IST

What to anticipate: Two high-performing teams at the Chinnaswamy

Facing the reigning champions in front of their enthusiastic home crowd? No challenge for Mumbai Indians and UP Warriorz. Both teams that have triumphed over RCB at M Chinnaswamy now clash in what promises to be an electrifying encounter. This matchup likely would have been viewed as a straightforward victory for MI, were it not for the Warriorz’s recent performances.

Nonetheless, the Warriorz’s batting lineup still appears inconsistent; they have relied on lower-order contributions in their last two outings. Individual players have stepped up during these victories – Chinelle Henry and Kranti Goud in the match against Delhi Capitals, and Sophie Ecclestone in the Super Over-win against RCB. Ecclestone has also been a crucial bowler for them – despite not taking wickets in her last two games, she maintains an economy rate around 7 and played a pivotal role in defending eight runs during the Super Over.

MI will approach this match feeling rejuvenated after a four-day break. One of their main challenges has been their opening partnership, which has recorded a highest stand of only 22 this season. Yastika Bhatia has had scores of 11, 8, 8 in her last three matches. Will they opt for G Kamalini to open instead of Bhatia to inject some aggression into the top order?

Mumbai Indians WWL (last three matches, most recent first)
UP Warriorz WWL

With Vrinda Dinesh struggling at the top of the order, Warriorz might consider bringing in Chamari Athapaththu, which would mean benching Tahlia McGrath. Poonam Khemnar could also be a viable option in the middle order.

UP Warriorz possible XI: Kiran Navgire, Vrinda Dinesh/ Chamari Athapaththu, Deepti Sharma (capt), Tahlia McGrath/ Poonam Khemnar, Shweta Sehrawat, Grace Harris, Uma Chetry (wk), Chinelle Henry, Sophie Ecclestone, Saima Thakor, Kranti Goud

MI is expected to maintain the same lineup unless they choose to go with Kamalini at the opening slot.

Mumbai Indians probable XI: Hayley Matthews, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Amelia Kerr, S Sajana, G Kamalini, Amanjot Kaur, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Parunika Sisodia

Key players: Amanjot Kaur and Sophie Ecclestone

Amanjot Kaur had a standout performance at the Chinnaswamy when MI faced RCB. She finished with figures of 3 for 22 in three overs, claiming the wickets of Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh, and scored a vital 34* in the run chase, earning the Player-of-the-Match award. After being sidelined by injuries for the past eight months, she is eager to make a comeback to the national team with strong displays in the WPL.
Sophie Ecclestone demonstrated her immense value in a T20 lineup, also showcasing her ability to contribute quick runs from the lower order. She has done so for England and during the Women’s Hundred with Manchester Originals. Should the Warriorz experiment and promote her up the batting order?

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