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Mumbai Indians have already qualified for the playoffs. (Source: wplt20.com)
UP Warriorz will have a battle when they take on unbeaten Mumbai Indians in the first match of the day on 18th March. Defeat in the last two games has derailed Alyssa Healy-led side’s campaign. On the other hand, Mumbai have qualified for the playoffs and have the luxury to experiment with the XI. However, the management is unlikely to tinker with the winning combination except in case of an injury.
Team Preview
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai have been ticking all the boxes in every game, with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s roaring form that is heartening for the fans.
In their last match, they brushed aside Gujarat Giants’ challenge, handing them a crushing 55-run loss. Their top and the middle order has fired–only the lower middle order has not been tested–which can be a matter of concern.
On the bowling front, every bowler has contributed, with Saika Ishaque and Hayley Matthews occupying the top-two places on the wicket-takers list.
It has been different from the spinners, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Issy Wong have impressed with their pace bowling. And once Pooja Vastrakar returns from an injury, every opposition will have difficulty finding a weak link.
UP Warriorz
UP Warriorz came in the path of a blitz by young gun Kanika Ahuja in the game against RCB. But, despite handing early jitters to the Bangalore side, the Warriorz let the game slip away.
Eyes will be on senior pro Rajeshwari Gayakwad, who has yet to have the best of tournaments thus far. The troika of Gayakwad, Deepti Sharma, and Sophie Ecclestone must fire together to stand a chance against Mumbai.
On the batting front, inconsistency is failing the Warriorz. Skipper Healy needs to lead from the front, with others rallying around her. Will the management look for other options in place of non-firing Indian players like Simran Shaikh?
Match Details
Date and Time: March 18, 03:30 PM IST
Venue: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Live Streaming: Sports18 and Jio Cinema
Pitch Report
As we are reaching the business end of the WPL, pitches have become slow and two-paced. Scoring has become difficult and we will witness an even contest between bat and ball. The team winning the toss should chase at the DY Patil Stadium.
Probable XI
Mumbai Indians: Hayley Matthews, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Dhara Gujjar/Pooja Vastrakar, Amelia Kerr, Issy Wong, Amanjot Kaur, Humaira Kazi, Jintimani Kalita, Saika Ishaque
UP Warriorz: Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Devika Vaidya, Kiran Navgire, Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath, Simran Shaikh, Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Shweta Sehrawat, Anjali Sarvani, Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicketkeeper: Alyssa Healy, Yastika Bhatia
Batters: Harmanpreet Kaur, Grace Harris, Kiran Navgire
All-rounders: Nat Sciver-Brunt, Tahila McGrath, Deepti Sharma
Bowlers: Issy Wong, Saiqa Ishaque, Sophie Ecclestone
Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
Vice-captain: Alyssa Healy
Prediction
As things stand, UP Warriorz have a mountain to climb against Mumbai Indians. The latter should come out victorious without a doubt.
 "Nidhi Lohia")
