In their respective final league game, defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore will face off in match no. 19. The game is scheduled for 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 12th of March 2024, at Shri Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
While Mumbai, with 5 wins and two losses from 7 games, have qualified for the knockouts, the Royals will need to win this game, and their chances also lie in the hands of UP Warriorz’ results.
Squads:
Mumbai Indians – Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Yastika Bhatia, Hayley Matthews*, Fatima Jaffer, Shabnim Ismail*, Issy Wong*, Amandeep Kaur, Saika Ishaque, Priyanka Bala, Humaira Kazi, Amelia Kerr*, Sathyamoorthy Balakrishnan Keerthana, Sajeevan Sajana, Pooja Vastrakar, Nat Sciver-Brunt*, Jintimani Kalita, Amanjot Kaur, Chloe Tryon*
Royal Challengers Bangalore – Smriti Mandhana (C), Ekta Bisht, Georgia Wareham*, Shreyanka Patil, Sophie Molineux*, Shradda Pokharkar, Richa Ghosh, Kate Cross*, Nadine de Klerk*, Shubha Satheesh, Sabbhineni Meghana, Indrani Roy, Asha Shobana, Ellyse Perry*, Simran Dil Bahadur, Disha Kasat, Renuka Singh Thakur, Sophie Devine*
Players to watch out:
Nat Sciver-Brunt
The 31-year-old all-rounder has had an ordinary run thus far in the ongoing WPL, accumulating 139 runs and taking 7 wickets from as many outings. While Nat has struggled to convert her starts on most occasions, she also hasn’t been consistent with the ball. Nonetheless, ahead of the knockouts, the team will hope for her to find her best in this game.
Issy Wong
The 21-year-old pacer spearheaded the bowling unit last season; however, she has only had a couple of opportunities thus far this season. With Mumbai qualified for the knockouts, Issy could have a final crack in this game, having proved her form mid-season, registering figures of 2/30 (3) and 1/20 (3). She can be relied upon for an all-round display.
Smriti Mandhana
The 27-year-old opening batter has been in fine form this WPL, striking at 150.3 and amassing 248 runs, including the highest score of 80, from 7 outings. Smriti’s scores from her previous four outings read 9, 80, 24, and 5, and it’ll be expected of the seasoned campaigner to make the most of this form. She’ll be backed to convert her starts, leading the scoring.
Shreyanka Patil
The 21-year-old leg-spinner, following a breakthrough season last summer, hasn’t been at her best this WPL. However, following a few challenging outings, Shreyanka, in her previous couple of outings, has returned figures of 1/15 and 4/26. The team will rely on her to capitalize on this return to bowling form while also chipping in with the bat.
Pitch:
The center wicket at the Shri Arun Jaitley Stadium favors the batters, offering them a friendly surface to bat on. However, the track also benefits the bowlers, both spinners and pacers, with ample assistance to exploit, as evidenced by the average score in the 160s.
Weather:
The conditions in Delhi are forecasted to be pleasant for cricket, with no anticipated rain interruptions and clear skies. The temperature will be around 25°C, with light winds and humidity at 40%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Ellyse Perry, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, Georgia Wareham, Saika Ishaque
Match details:
Date – March 12, 2024
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – Shri Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Jio Cinema and telecasted on Sports18.