Opting to bat first proved to be a wise decision for the Gujarat Giants, as Beth Mooney and Dayalan Hemalatha took charge, steering their team to a formidable position with a partnership worth 121 runs for the second wicket.
The stage was set for a substantial first innings total, and a crucial misfield by Saika Ishaque only added fuel to their momentum, boosting the total to 190.
In the dramatic climax of the 20th over, Saika approached the wicket and delivered a tempting ball just outside the fourth stump, tempting debutant Bharati Fulmali to chip it towards long-on off the inner half of her bat.
Although the Giants’ batters eyed a risky double, a swift throw from the deep towards the bowler’s end put Tanuja Kanwer, the non-striker, in jeopardy.
Fortune seemed to smile upon Kanwer as Saika fumbled with the routine throw from the deep, desperately searching for the ball while Kanwer struggled to reach the popping crease.
— Grahman (@Grahman326048) March 9, 2024
Witnessing this lapse, Harmanpreet Kaur, stationed at mid-off, couldn’t hold back her criticism, chastising the bowler for the costly misfield, sparking a frenzy on Twitter.