In a nail-biting encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the Mumbai Indians became the first team to successfully chase down a total during the Delhi leg of the tournament. However, what stole the limelight wasn’t just the on-field action but a bizarre and unexpected event during the closing stages of the Mumbai Indians’ innings as Sprinkler of the ground gets on.
The game began with Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur losing the toss and being asked to bowl first by Gujarat Giants’ captain Beth Mooney. The Arun Jaitley Stadium, known for favouring teams batting first, set the stage for a challenging task for the Mumbai Indians.
Gujarat’s innings got off to a roaring start, but opener Laura Wolvaardt’s early dismissal threatened to disrupt their momentum. However, Dayalan Hemalatha and Beth Mooney had other plans as they orchestrated a formidable 121-run partnership for the second wicket. Gujarat seemed poised to breach the 200-run mark, but a spirited comeback by Mumbai Indians, led by Sajeevan Sajana and Saika Ishaque, restricted them to a total of 190 runs.
Chasing a daunting target of 191, Mumbai Indians faced early setbacks with the quick dismissals of opener Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt. The pressure was mounting, but the Mumbai side found an unlikely hero in Amelia Kerr. Partnering with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Kerr’s unbeaten 93-run partnership turned the tide in Mumbai’s favor.
As the match approached a thrilling climax, with Mumbai needing 23 runs to secure the victory, an unforeseen twist unfolded. Just after the 18th over, when the excitement was reaching its peak, the sprinkler at the Arun Jaitley Stadium unexpectedly came to life, spraying water all over the outfield.
The sudden interruption left players, officials, and spectators baffled. The ground staff rushed to control the sprinkler, and an unexpected pause in the game ensued. This unprecedented incident added an element of chaos to an already tense match, with both teams forced to gather their composure.
Once the sprinklers were brought under control, the game resumed, and Mumbai Indians managed to weather the storm. Kerr and Kaur remained unfazed by the sprinkler-induced disruption, guiding their team to a historic victory in a high-pressure chase.
The bizarre sprinkler incident will undoubtedly be remembered as a unique chapter in the ongoing tournament, adding an unexpected twist to an already thrilling encounter. Mumbai Indians showcased not only their cricketing prowess but also their ability to navigate unforeseen challenges, making this victory even more memorable for the defending champions.
Strange, strange moment as the sprinklers are turned on on one side of the pitch in the middle of Harmanpreet Kaur’s onslaught .
That’s some way to douse the fire that Harmanpreet is breathing.#WPL pic.twitter.com/dDnp2y4r9I
— Annesha Ghosh (@ghosh_annesha) March 9, 2024
Wtf happening in kotla?
Water sprinklers got on suddenly after 18th over…match stopped now.
keep on mind harmanpreet was in beast mode and the stoppage might hinder her concentration..#WPL #WPL2024 #TATAWPL #MIvsGG— ARightGuy (@ARightGuyy) March 9, 2024
#WPL2024 match sees bizarre stoppage as sprinklers turn on in MI's chase vs GG; outfield concerns spark on-field debate#WPL #MIvGG #MIvsGG https://t.co/eEA1Gc1BYE
— HT Sports (@HTSportsNews) March 10, 2024
Sprinklers stop play…..lolzz!! 😂 #MIvsGG #WPL
— 🔰Nuzza 🇵🇸🤲🏽🔰 (@nuzza00) March 9, 2024
Well, that's new! Sprinklers!#WPL #WPL2024 #TATAWPL
— Sandesh (@sandymys) March 9, 2024