WPL 2023, MI-W vs RCB-W: Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XIs, Fantasy Tips & Prediction
MI thrashed RCB by 9 wickets in the first leg of WPL 2023 (Twitter)
In an upcoming clash of epic proportions, Royal Challengers Bangalore Women will take on Mumbai Indians Women at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. The highly-anticipated encounter is set to take place on Tuesday, March 21, and promises to be an exciting battle.
Although the WPL 2023 campaign for RCB is officially over, the team will be playing with all their might to end the competition on a high note and salvage some pride. On the other hand, the Mumbai Indians will be going all out for a win, as it will secure them a direct entry into the final, provided the Delhi Capitals fail to triumph over the UP Warriorz Women.
Team Preview
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women
RCB had a rocky start to the league, suffering five consecutive losses, with two games seeing them concede over 200 runs, and three others leaving them with less than 160 runs.
But Lady Luck finally smiled upon them last week, as they managed to snatch two back-to-back wins against UP and Gujarat. While their chances of making it to the playoffs are nil, they'll undoubtedly be eager to end their campaign with a victory.
Mumbai Indians
In contrast, the Mumbai Indians got off to a blistering start with five straight wins, making them the first team to qualify for the playoffs.
However, two consecutive defeats in their last two games have demoted them to the second position in the points table.
Now, led by the ever-formidable Harmanpreet Kaur, they'll have to notch up a massive win and pray that the Delhi Capitals suffer a loss in their final group stage game this evening. A victory would also do wonders for the team's morale as they prepare for the knockouts.
Match Details
Date and time: March 21, 03:30 PM IST
Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai
Live Streaming: Sports18, Jio Cinema
Pitch Report
The tracks at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy have shifted from being high-scoring ones at the beginning of the tournament to slower surfaces now. As a result, spin bowlers are expected to have an upper hand, with occasional balls sticking to the pitch. However, batsmen can still accumulate runs if they play with discipline, resulting in an evenly contested match between the bat and ball.
Probable XIs
Mumbai Indians: Hayley Matthews, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amelia Kerr, Pooja Vastrakar, Issy Wong, Amanjot Kaur, Humaira Kazi, Jintimani Kalita, and Saika Ishaque
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Smriti Mandhana (c), Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Heather Knight, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kanika Ahuja, Shreyanka Patil, Disha Kasat, Megan Schutt, Asha Sobhana, and Preeti Bose
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicketkeeper: Yastika Bhatia
Batters: Sophie Devine, Smriti Mandhana, Heather Knight, Harmanpreet Kaur
All-rounders: Ellyse Perry, Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt
Bowlers: Saika Ishaque, Issy Wong, Pooja Vastrakar
Captain: Nat Sciver-Brunt/Hayley Matthews
Vice-captain: Sophie Devine
Prediction
Mumbai Indians are the favourites to win the high-stakes match as a victory would guarantee them a direct spot in the final.
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