WPL25: Mathews , Kerr shines as Mumbai Indians beat UPW to raise playoffs hopes

 


Defending champions Mumbai Indians are on the verge of securing their third consecutive playoff qualification in the Women's Premier League. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, Mumbai bolstered their playoff hopes with a dominant win in their sixth match of the season. In a crucial encounter held in Lucknow, a stellar all-round performance from Hayley Matthews and a five-wicket haul from Amelia Kerr powered Mumbai to a six-wicket victory over UP Warriors, reclaiming the second spot in the standings. Meanwhile, UP Warriors' playoff chances have all but ended with this defeat.

UP's Strong Start Fizzles Out

As WPL 2025 action shifted from Bengaluru to Lucknow, Mumbai Indians faced bottom-placed UP Warriors on Thursday, March 6. Despite their struggles this season, UP made an explosive start. Their opening duo, Grace Harris (28) and Georgia Voll, took charge early, smashing 74 runs in just eight overs. While Harris played a cautious knock, the 21-year-old Australian opener Voll, who had registered a duck on her WPL debut in the previous game, made a resounding comeback with a blistering 55 off 33 balls.

However, UP failed to capitalize on this fiery start. Mumbai’s spin duo of Amelia Kerr (5/38) and Hayley Matthews (2/25) triggered a dramatic collapse, restricting UP from posting a big total. Deepti managed 27 runs &  Sophie Ecclestone added some late runs with a quick 16, but UP could only manage 150/9 in 20 overs.

Matthews and Sciver-Brunt Seal the Win

Mumbai Indians began their chase aggressively but lost opener Kerr (12) in the third over. However, this early setback did little to trouble them. Matthews (68) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (37) unleashed a brutal counterattack, putting up a game-changing 92-run stand off just 57 balls. Their partnership all but sealed the result in Mumbai’s favor.

Following their dismissals, young all-rounder Amanjot Kaur (12*) once again stepped up, ensuring Mumbai’s comfortable victory.  Yastika Bhatia (10*)  coming at 6 joined Amanjot guided the team home in the final stages , securing a six-wicket win in the 19th over after smacking two glorious 4s on the offside. This marked Mumbai’s fourth victory of the season, taking their tally to eight points. With two matches still remaining, they now need just two more points to confirm their playoff spot.

Playoff Race: Who Stands Where?

Delhi Capitals remain the only team to have officially qualified for the playoffs so far, having reached the final in both previous WPL seasons. Gujarat Giants currently hold the third spot with six points but have only two matches left. Meanwhile, defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore sit in fourth place with four points and are on the brink of elimination, with just two games remaining.

UP Warriors, after suffering their fifth defeat in seven matches, find themselves at the bottom of the table with only four points. They have just one match left against Bangalore, making their chances of progressing highly unlikely.


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