In a Women’s Premier League match on Saturday, Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur took an incredible one-handed catch to dismiss UP Warriorz opener Devika Vaidya.
In pursuit of a target of 128 runs, Devika Vaidya attempted a drive off a delivery from Hayley Matthews in the second over but only managed to get a thick edge. Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur, positioned at slip, instinctively dived and impressively caught the ball with her right hand, resulting in UP Warriorz losing their first wicket for a mere 2 runs.
Despite the remarkable catch by Harmanpreet Kaur, it did not prove to be consequential as UP Warriorz ended Mumbai Indians’ winning streak by securing a five-wicket victory. The Uttar Pradesh team was able to exploit the challenging pitch to their advantage.
With the ball turning significantly and the pitch being sluggish, England’s prominent left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone led the way with her impressive bowling performance, claiming three wickets for 15 runs. As a result, Mumbai Indians were dismissed for 127 runs.
During MI’s batting innings, the team faced spinners for 18 out of 20 overs, setting a new record for WPL. UPW had a few obstacles to overcome before completing the task with three balls to spare, with Grace Harris (39) and Tahlia McGrath (38) being the key contributors with the bat. Additionally, Deepti Sharma (13 not out) and Sophie Ecclestone, who was named player of the match, scored crucial runs.
Issy Wong took a crucial wicket, dismissing UPW captain Alyssa Healy for 8 by trapping her in front of the wicket. Although the on-field umpire was initially unconvinced, MI’s decision to seek a referral proved to be correct, forcing Healy to walk back to the dugout.
Despite defending a small but challenging total on the sluggish surface, MI had reason to celebrate when Yastika Bhatia took an exceptional one-handed diving catch behind the wicket off the bowling of Nat Sciver-Brunt to dismiss Kiran Navgire for 12, who had consumed 16 balls.