Meg Lanning had the last laugh over Harmanpreet Kaur when Australia edged past India in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final last month. On Sunday though, the India and Mumbai Indians captain will have an opportunity to trump her Australian and Delhi Capitals counterpart when the two teams clash in the final of the inaugural Women’s Premier League at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
Mumbai’s batting has depended a great deal on skipper Harmanpreet’s performances. They have struggled whenever Harmanpreet got out without scoring many runs, especially in the closing stage of the competition’s league phase.
That inconsistency in their performance was one of the reasons why they lost the top spot to the Capitals. However, in Friday’s Eliminator, Harmanpreet’s team came up with a much better showing to outplay UP Warriorz.
The current form of Mumbai’s No.3 batter Nat Sciver-Brunt and seamer Issy Wong, who recorded a hattrick in the Eliminator, augurs well for Mumbai, and it’s something the Capitals need to be careful about. The Calcutta-based left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque, going through a quiet phase in between, also struck twice on Friday as Mumbai marched to the final.
Delhi Capitals’ Meg Lanning. File photo
The Capitals too are a bit reliant on Lanning and her opening partner Shafali Verma. But the presence of pacer all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who lends stability to the batting order, and Alice Capsey, someone who’s capable of adapting her game as per the need, is a big advantage for the Delhi franchise.
The duo are capable of contributing with the ball too as Kapp, spearheading the Capitals’ attack, makes sure to keep things tight even if she’s unable to take wickets.
In a nutshell, both teams look well-prepared in terms of bowling.
Harmanpreet, despite being one of the most prominent cricketers in the women’s-circuit, is yet to win a trophy of repute. She came close a couple of times in India colours. Lanning, on the other hand, is one of the most successful captains in women’s cricket.
Will Harmanpreet win her first big trophy on Sunday? Or will Lanning add another feather to her already-decorated crown?
Final today
■ Delhi Capitals Women vs Mumbai Indians Women, 7.30pm, Brabourne, live on Sports18 1
