In-form Gujarat Giants will take confidence from their best-ever start to a Women’s Premier League season as they prepare to face defending champions Mumbai Indians in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday.
Gujarat have showcased formidable batting depth in their opening two matches, posting totals in excess of 200 on both occasions to underline their intent in the fourth season of the league.
Their thrilling victory over Delhi Capitals on Sunday is expected to further lift morale, with Sophie Devine defending seven runs in the final over after striking a blistering 95 off 42 balls at the top of the order.
Captain Ashleigh Gardner has led from the front and admitted she could not have asked for a better beginning to the campaign.
“I felt like we stole that game (against DC) but I think they're the games that I guess give a lot of confidence into the change room and a lot of belief that we can kind of win from any position,” Gardner said after the last-over thriller.
Also read: MI seek third title as WPL kicks off in Navi Mumbai
Despite the win, Gujarat will look to be more clinical, having left a few runs out in the middle overs against Delhi. Gardner has also been encouraged by the performances of Indian players such as Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Kashvee Gautam.
Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, will aim to build on the momentum gained from their win over Delhi Capitals as they look to rein in the table-toppers.
Their biggest match-winner Nat Sciver-Brunt continues to be in ominous form, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur rediscovered her rhythm with a fluent 74 off 42 balls in the previous match.
Reflecting on her approach, Harmanpreet said: “I'm really enjoying my batting, and for that I give a lot of credit to my Indian team - and now this team as well. We have long batting line-ups, which gives me the freedom to go out and express myself. I’m not worried about batting deep or holding back, and that's probably why I'm enjoying myself so much.”
With both teams boasting strong line-ups and recent form on their side, Tuesday’s contest promises to be a key early test in the WPL season.
The match begins at 7.30 pm IST.
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