Second half: Another clean sweep? Gujarat Giants are up first
When we played against the Gujarat Giants last, we handed them a crushing 143-run defeat in the tournament opener. The wounds of that heartbreaking loss would still be fresh in their camp. We, on the other hand, are on a winning wave. Going into the game, we certainly do have the bragging rights on our side. Again, we know how to do it: heads firmly on our shoulders, feet firmly to the ground.
Full of confidence after our four stellar wins, the positive vibes in the dressing room are at their zenith. There are smiles all around. आपल्या मुली are enjoying each other’s company and success, and the camaraderie on display is unbelievable. However, we know that it is not yet done. While we may have set our one foot into the playoffs, there is still work to be done to carry the other big foot. We are doing it so clinically, that our lower order hasn’t been tested even in the slightest!
GG may seem to be slightly wounded with the unavailability of their designated captain Beth Mooney and star all-rounder, Deandra Dottin. Add to it the shoulder woes of their stand-in captain Sneh Rana, not allowing her to roll her arm to bowl; the team are cornered. And that’s exactly what we need to be wary of. The fastest 50 of this WPL is to their name, thanks to Sophia Dunkley. The inclusion of Laura Wolvaardt, arguably the best South African batter, and of course Kim Garth, who has already nabbed a fifer in this competition, could help bolster them.
What to expect: The same old kickass entertainment thanks to the Saika – Nat – Yastika – Hayley - Harman show with some special appearances from Issy and Amelia. However, don’t be surprised if somebody like an Amanjot Kaur or a Humairaa Kaazi is promoted up the order to express themselves with the bat. But why fix something that’s not broken, right? It’s a happy headache for our think-tank to now dabble with.
Where: Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
When: March 14, 2023 - 7.30 PM IST
What you need to do: Touch the nearest wood around or, more so, sit on a nice comfortable wooden chair to be in a constant state of “touch wood”. Because before every game, don’t we say – “Hope Mumbai Indians win today” – Touch wood?