WPL 2023, RCB vs MI: Harmanpreet Kaur elects to field
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bangalore will cross swords with Mumbai Indians in match number 19 of the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023. While MI have sealed the playoff berth, the Royal Challengers have nothing to lose. Notably, this is the final day of the league stage fixtures. Meanwhile, MI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has won the toss and elected to field.
Teams
Here are the two teams
Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (Playing XI): Smriti Mandhana (captain), Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Heather Knight, Richa Ghosh (wicket-keeper), Kanika Ahuja, Shreyanka Patil, Disha Kasat, Megan Schutt, Asha Shobana, Preeti Bose. Mumbai Indians Women (Playing XI): Hayley Matthews, Yastika Bhatia (wicket-keeper), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Amelia Kerr, Pooja Vastrakar, Issy Wong, Amanjot Kaur, Humaira Kazi, Jintimani Kalita, Saika Ishaque.
Details
Pitch report, timing, and broadcast details
The DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai will host the contest (3:30 PM IST). The track here has been favoring the batters. As Viacom 18 owns WPL's broadcasting rights, fans in India can catch the live telecast of the matches on Sports 18, Sports Khel, Colors Cinema, Colors Tamil, and Colors Kannada Cinema. JioCinema will provide the live streaming.
Scenario
WPL 2023: Who will finish on top?
Both MIW and Delhi Capitals Women, having reached the WPL playoffs, are tied on points. However, the Capitals top the table with a better Net Run Rate (1.98). Meanwhile, MIW are second (NRR: 1.73). UP Warriorz have also made it to the final three. The team finishing first will directly reach the final, while the sides placed second and third will play the Eliminator.
Information
MIW need to bounce back
Until March 18, MIW were the only unbeaten side in the ongoing tournament. They had won each of their first five matches. However, MIW are coming off two successive defeats to UPW and DCW. They would want to regain momentum against RCBW.