MI owner Neeta Ambani hopes WPL will inspire young girls to follow their dreams

Nita Ambani. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Post Mumbai Indians’ clinical victory in the first match of the inaugural WPL on March 4, owner of the franchise Nita Ambani expressed satisfaction over how things unfolded and lauded WPL for magnifying the stature of women’s cricket in India. She expressed joy on being able to play a role in the movement and also acknowledged that the success of this tournament would inspire more and more young girls across the country to take up sports professionally.

“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. I hope this inspires many young girls across the country to take up sports, realise their dreams and follow their hearts,” Ambani said.

The Ambanis had also said the same thing earlier when they succeeded in bagging the rights for the Mumbai franchise, to take part in the revolutionary league. They had expressed pride in being able to associate themselves with WPL and had also praised the Indian women cricketers for always making the nation proud.

Earlier, in the opening contest of the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL), Mumbai Indians (MI) played with an aggressive approach and vanquished Gujarat Giants (GG) by 143 runs. In the opener, MI outclassed GG in all departments to taste an emphatic victory. Losing the toss to the GG skipper Beth Mooney, MI were put to bat first.

However, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s rapid 65 runs (30 deliveries) and Amelia Kerr’s 45-run knock, MI posted a colossal 207/5 on the board. Earlier, the West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews also provided a fierce start to the team with her magnificent 47 runs off 31 deliveries.

Defending the huge total, Mumbai’s bowlers displayed an extraordinary effort. Riding on Saika Ishaque’s spell of 4-11 and Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 2-5, MI folded GG’s innings on a mere 64. Youngsters Amelia Kerr and Issy Wong also showed up with the ball clinching 2-12 and 1-7 bowling figures respectively.

MI is known for playing certain kind of cricket: Nita Ambani

Witnessing the incredible performance of her team, Ambani showered praises on her players and said that her franchise is known for playing a certain kind of cricket.

She said that the Mumbai Indians hold a reputation of playing fearless and exciting cricket and the girls have managed to do the same in the very first game of the tournament. She reserved some special words for skipper Harman who played a magnificent knock to lead the team from the front. She also praised Amelia Kerr for her efforts.

“Mumbai Indians is known to play a certain kind of cricket – fearless and exciting, and our girls have performed so well. 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,” Nita said following her team’s massive triumph in the first game.