MI Women vs GG Women, 1st Match at Navi Mumbai, WPL, Mar 04 2023 - Ball by Ball Commentary

11.25pm So the end of a historic day. Result wise, the game did not live up to the hype, but performances from certain individuals certainly did. You can already see some of the young Indian players shining on day one after rubbing shoulders with some overseas players for a week. Can't wait to see what the next few weeks have in store for us. Thank you for your company. On behalf of K Vairavan and Abhimanyu Bose, this is Sreshth Shah saying bye bye.

Harmanpreet Kaur is Player of the Match. So we'll have a two-in-one interview: It was a brilliant start. Feeling like dream come true....first day. We were hoping all things going our way, and they were in our favour. (24 hour ago, what were the chats?) We kept things simple and clear. Told players to play natural. Obviously its a big day for women's cricket but it was all about backing yourself. (Her innings) I just thought I will watch the ball and back myself. I will not think too much, and instead react to the situation. (Captaincy chat at halfway mark) When we were batting, we knew it is a very good batting wicket. When the other team was bowling in the right spot, it was not easy to play. So told our bowlers it will not be easy if you bowl in the right spot. (What next?) Keep doing the same. Big victory, yes, but next games are important."

Nita Ambani: "I think it is such an iconic day and iconic moment for women in sport. It is so thrilling to be part of this wonderful tournament WPL today. (Young girls in the crowd) I loved every moment. I hope this inspires many young girls across the country to take up sports, realise their dreams and follow their hearts. (Result) Mumbai Indians is known to play a certain kind of cricket - fearless and exciting, and our girls have performed so well today. I am proud how they played, it was all-round. Special mention about our captain Harman, what a special innings she played today 65 in 30 balls. Also I felt Amelia Kerr was fabulous - she batted well, bowled well. (Fans) It was so wonderful to see so much support in the stadium."

Tautoru: "They were Scivered and Brunted, with a Hail(ey) of runs, belted by the Kaur-Kerr combo, then Saika psyched them. Hard to choose the POM. "

11.15pm We'll have the presentation shortly. Harmanpreet for Player of the Match? Or Kerr for her unbeaten 45 and two-for? Or maybe the left-arm spinner Ishaque?!

Nat Sciver-Brunt, Mumbai: "Playing the first game was brilliant. When we walked out, it was a big occasion, so I took a few breaths to come down. (Many cultures) That's the best thing about such competitions. Saika is exciting, good to see her enjoy her wickets so much. (Harmanpreet) It's very good to be on the same team. I've had that done to me in the past. She looks to calm in the middle. (Edwards, coach) She's excited for all of us."

Sneh Rana, vice captain of Gujarat Giants: "This is just the start. Some people take time to soak this in, some do it quicker. This was a learning experience and we will come back stronger. Physio will update about Mooney in sometime. (In case she is captain tomorrow) It is an opportunity sure but what I'll want is that the team does not repeat their mistakes. I will tell the girls to keep their heads high and to learn from today. Definitely we will perform good."

11.08pm Mumbai have become the pace setters of the WPL with a whopping win. Harmanpreet smacked 65 in 30, Mathews turned it up with her 31-ball 47, Kerr got 45 in 24 and 2-12, Sciver-Brunt showed solidity with both bat and ball. Vastrakar put a cameo in, and the young bowlers shined.

11.05pm A near-perfect game for Mumbai Indians. Except for Yastika Bhatia, all their players impressed today. The experienced batters came to the fore up top, and their young bowlers, aided by Sciver-Brunt, stepped up in the second innings.

For Giants, a massive hit to their NRR and the possibility that their captain won't be available tomorrow, and we're talking best-case scenario here. She hobbled off today. But the other Giants batters could've stepped up, that they didn't. Only Hemalatha (29) scored over 10.

Mumbai could've finished the game in the previous over.

Umesh: "Kaur 65. Will Gujarat beat her or won't. That's the question. :)"

From the WPL playing conditions document: Circumstances in which a Player Review may be requested 3.1.1 A player may request a review of any decision taken by the on-field umpires concerning whether or not a batter is dismissed, with the exception of 'Timed Out' (Player Review). A player may also be allowed to review any decision taken by on-field umpires concerning wide or no ball.

What happens to Giants if Beth Mooney isn't fit for a few days? The games come thick and fast. They are playing tomorrow too. She also was their keeper. So the team will have to make multiple changes perhaps. Dunkley may come in. She was on 0 when she pulled something near her knee. Massive blow for the team and they really got deflated after that tonight.

Bhargav: "Wow, reviews on wides and no balls are a great addition to drs"

Will Mumbai finish the game before the second time out is mandatorily taken? That's what I'm thinking.

Quick changeover. Players were ready for the next over anyway.

Effectively, the last wicket, if Mooney doesn't bat. Giants will have a LOT of thinking to do. Gardner had an off day too.