3 concerns for MI ahead of the WPL 2023 playoffs

Mumbai Indians (MI) find themselves stuck in a rough spot after a dream start to the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL). The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side were off to a flier and secured qualification for the playoffs with ease after winning their first five matches. However, cracks have begun to surface in the team and they have now slumped to consecutive losses, risking their chances of a first-place finish after the league stage.

MI lost to UP Warriorz (UPW) by five wickets and then to the Delhi Capitals (DC) by nine wickets, which really highlighted their woes. Batting first in both games, MI were only able to amass 127 and 109 in those defeats and while the pitches have slowed down over use, their bowlers have not been able to back up the batters or put pressure on the opposition batters as well. With their heavy defeat against Meg Lanning and Co. on Monday, March 20, Mumbai have slipped to second spot and will have to secure a win in their last league match against the in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) if they wish to put pressure on DC for the highly prized first spot.

On that note, let’s take a look at the three primary issues facing the Mumbai Indians ahead of the playoffs.

#1 Hayley Matthews and Saika Ishaque’s poor form

One of the major reasons why the franchise was flying high in the formative stages of the tournament was due to Hayley Matthews’ and Saika Ishaque‘s rich vein of form. The Caribbean all-rounder, a bargain buy in the auctions, was influential with both the bat and ball. She was among the best openers in the league and was well in the race for the Orange Cap.

However, she has slid of late, scoring only 52 runs in her last four matches. Ishaque, on the other hand, was addicted to taking wickets and had built quite a nest atop the Purple Cap standings as well. Much like her teammate Hayley Matthews, she has had a set of forgettable outings.

Wicketless across the last three encounters, the left-arm spinner conceded her Purple Cap to Sophie Ecclestone. Additionally, she endured the worst outing of the season in the previous encounter. She conceded 36 runs off her two overs to prolong the dry run.

MI will be hoping that the duo spring back into form ahead of the playoffs to improve their chances of winning the title.

#2 Wickets falling in clumps

Another concern for the team is their batting, particularly their lack of partnerships in the middle overs. During their defeat to the UP Warriorz, the team lost five wickets in the overs from 6-16. In their most recent outing against the Delhi Capitals, MI lost four wickets in the powerplay itself.

Even in their win over the Gujarat Giants (GG), they were not their convincing self with the bat, especially towards the end of the innings. In that case, they lost five wickets in the death overs, which is still conceivable considering that the platform was set and the batters had to go for boundaries. Losing wickets in a cluster in the powerplay or the middle overs is never a good sign for the batting unit.

This is something that the franchise will be looking to resolve as they have struggled on tough batting surfaces.

#3 The sheen of invincibility has gone

MI had a certain aura around them after announcing their arrival with a record win over the Gujarat Giants in the inaugural match of the tournament. They steamrolled opponents as the tournament progressed and their biggest strength was the fact that they showed absolutely no weaknesses. More than their defeats, the nature of those has worked against the team and in favor of their opponents.

The tame set of losses has spruced up opponents who will feel that they have more than just a chance against the former league leaders, completely devoid of momentum. They are set to face Royal Challengers Bangalore in their final league stage encounter on Tuesday, March 31 at the DY Patil Stadium. Will the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side finish at the top of the table after the end of the group stage?

Let us know what you think.

Poll :

0 votes

‘;});pollOptions.innerHTML = pollOptionsDom;pollCount.innerHTML = totalVotes + ‘ votes’;}function updatePollCountOnAnswer(selectedOption) {var pollData = pollDataDefault;renderPollWidget(pollData, selectedOption, true);}function renderPollWidget(pollData, selectedOption, isAnswered) {if (!pollData) return;pollData.option1_count = pollData.option1_count || 0;pollData.option2_count = pollData.option2_count || 0;pollData.option3_count = pollData.option3_count || 0;pollData.option4_count = pollData.option4_count || 0;if (isAnswered) {if (selectedOption == “option1”) pollData.option1_count += 1;if (selectedOption == “option2”) pollData.option2_count += 1;if (selectedOption == “option3”) pollData.option3_count += 1;if (selectedOption == “option4”) pollData.option4_count += 1;}var totalVotes = Number(pollData.option1_count + pollData.option2_count + pollData.option3_count + pollData.option4_count);if (totalVotes && !Number.isNaN(totalVotes)) {var option1Percent = pollData.option1_count / totalVotes * 100;var option2Percent = pollData.option2_count / totalVotes * 100;var option3Percent = pollData.option3_count / totalVotes * 100;var option4Percent = pollData.option4_count / totalVotes * 100;var optionPercentages = [option1Percent, option2Percent, option3Percent, option4Percent];var pollOptions = £(“#poll-options”);var pollCount = £(“#poll-count”);var pollOptionsDom = ”;var optionsArray = [‘option1’, ‘option2’];if (pollData.option3 !== “” && pollData.option3 !== null) {optionsArray.push(‘option3’)}if (pollData.option4 !== “” && pollData.option4 !== null) {optionsArray.push(‘option4’)}optionsArray.forEach(function (option, index) {var clickHandler = ‘onclick=”answerPoll(event, \” + option + ‘\’)”‘;var optionClass = [‘poll-option’];if (selectedOption) {optionClass.push(‘poll-option-answered’);clickHandler = ”;}if (selectedOption === option) {optionClass.push(‘poll-option-selected’);}pollOptionsDom += ”;if (selectedOption) {var widthPercentage = optionPercentages[index] < 5 && optionPercentages[index] != 0 ?

5 : optionPercentages[index];if (selectedOption === option) {if (widthPercentage > 97) {pollOptionsDom += ‘‘;} else {pollOptionsDom += ‘‘;}} else {if (widthPercentage > 97) {pollOptionsDom += ‘‘;} else {pollOptionsDom += ‘‘;}}}pollOptionsDom += ‘

‘ + pollData[option] + ‘

‘;if (selectedOption) {pollOptionsDom += ‘

‘ + Math.round(optionPercentages[index]) + ‘%

‘;}pollOptionsDom += ”;});pollOptions.innerHTML = pollOptionsDom;pollCount.innerHTML = totalVotes + ‘ votes’;if (totalVotes > 10) {pollCount.classList.remove(“hidden”);}trackArticlePollImpression(pollData);}}function answerPoll(e, selectedOption) {e.preventDefault();try{permutive.track(‘PollResponse’,{“pagetype”: “Articlepage”,”category”: “Cricket”,”answer”: {“text”: e.target.textContent},”question”: {“text”: pollDataDefault.question}});} catch (err) {console.log(err);}updatePollCountOnAnswer(selectedOption);var isDesktop = “1”;var gaPayload = {“question” : pollDataDefault.question,”answer” : e.target.textContent,”answer_option” : selectedOption.replace(“option”, “Option “),”category”: “Cricket”,”page_location”: window.location.href,}if (isDesktop) {gaPayload[“device”] = “Desktop”;} else {gaPayload[“device”] = “Mobile”;}gtag(“event”, “ARTICLE_POLL_RESPONSE”, gaPayload);var url = ‘https://a-gotham.sportskeeda.com/polls//response’;var data = {“poll_type”: “article”,”option”: selectedOption}pureJSAjaxPost(url, data, onPollResponseSuccess.bind(this, selectedOption), onPollResponseFail.bind(this, selectedOption), null, false);}function trackSponsoredLinkClick(e) {}var articlePollImpressionTracked = false;function trackArticlePollImpression(pollData) {var pollElement = £(“#poll”);var intersectionObserverForArticlePoll = new IntersectionObserver(function(entries) {entries.forEach(function(entry) {if (articlePollImpressionTracked) return;if (!entry.target || !entry.isIntersecting || entry.intersectionRatio < 0.5) return;setTimeout(function() {if (isInViewport(entry.target)) {articlePollImpressionTracked = true;var isDesktop = “1”;var gaPayload = {“question” : pollData.question,”category”: “Cricket”,”page_url”: window.location.href,}if (isDesktop) {gaPayload[“device”] = “Desktop”;} else {gaPayload[“device”] = “Mobile”;}gtag(“event”, “ARTICLE_POLL_IMPRESSION”, gaPayload);intersectionObserverForArticlePoll.unobserve(entry.target);}}, 1000);});},{threshold: 0.5});if (pollElement){var isAnswered = pollElement.querySelector(“.poll-option-answered”);if (!isAnswered) {intersectionObserverForArticlePoll.observe(pollElement);}}}]]>

Quick Links

More from Sportskeeda

“modalPopup.closeOnEsc = false;modalPopup.setHeader(“Why did you not like this content?”);modalPopup.setContentText(modalText);modalPopup.addCancelOkButton(“Submit”, resetRatingAndFeedbackForm, sendRating);modalPopup.removeCloseModalIcon();modalPopup.disableDismissPopup();modalPopup.open();} else {sendRating(index);}}function sendRating() {var requestPayload = {“post_id”: 1440896,”rating_value”: ratingValue}if (ratingValue > 3) {requestPayload.rating_feedback_type = null;requestPayload.rating_feedback = null;} else {if (!£(‘input[name=”drone”]:checked’) || !£(‘input[name=”drone”]:checked’).value) {showErrorMessage(‘option’);return;}if (!£(“.post-rating-feedback-note textarea”) || !£(“.post-rating-feedback-note textarea”).value) {showErrorMessage(‘note’);return;}var selectedOption = £(‘input[name=”drone”]:checked’).value;var feedbackNote = £(“.post-rating-feedback-note textarea”).value;requestPayload.rating_feedback_type = selectedOption;requestPayload.rating_feedback = feedbackNote;}pureJSAjaxPost(addratingAPI, requestPayload, onsaveRatingSuccess, onsaveRatingFail, function() {}, true);}function resetRatingAndFeedbackForm() {var activeStars = Array.from(£all(‘.rating span.rating-star.active’));for (var i=0; i < activeStars.length; i++) {activeStars[i].classList.remove(“active”);}if (£(‘input[name=”drone”]:checked’)) {£(‘input[name=”drone”]:checked’).checked = false;}var userNote = document.querySelector(“.post-rating-feedback-note textarea”);userNote.value = ”;modalPopup.close();}function onsaveRatingSuccess() {modalPopup.close();savePostIdInUserRatedPostsCookie();£(“#post-rating-layout”).classList.add(“hidden”);£(“#post-rating-message”).classList.remove(“hidden”);window.setInterval(function showMessage() {£(“#post-rating-widget”).classList.add(“hidden”);}, 3000);}function onsaveRatingFail() {console.error(‘Saving post rating failed!’);modalPopup.close();}function savePostIdInUserRatedPostsCookie() {userRatedPostIds.push(1440896);var expiryTime = new Date();expiryTime.setMonth(expiryTime.getMonth() + 12); // Expiry after 1 yearsetCookie(“user_rated_post_ids”, JSON.stringify(userRatedPostIds), expiryTime);}function isPostRatedByUser() {var userRatedPostIds = getCookie(‘user_rated_post_ids’);if (userRatedPostIds) {try {userRatedPostIds = JSON.parse(userRatedPostIds);} catch (err) {console.error(err);return false;}} else {return false;}if(userRatedPostIds.indexOf(1440896) >= 0) {return true;} else {return false;}}function getRatingCountByPostId(postId) {return new Promise(function(resolve, reject) {pureJSAjaxGet(getRatingCountBaseURL + postId + ‘/rating/count’,function(data) {try {data = JSON.parse(data);if (data.meta_value) {resolve(data.meta_value);}reject(“Failed to fetch rating count for the post:” + postId);} catch (err) {reject(“Failed to fetch rating count for the post:” + postId);}},function(err) {reject(“Failed to fetch rating count for the post:” + postId);}, true);});}function showErrorMessage(messageType) {var messageContainer + messageType + ‘-error’;£(messageContainerId).classList.remove(‘hidden’);window.setInterval(function () {£(messageContainerId).classList.add(“hidden”);}, 5000);}if (!isPostRatedByUser()) {getRatingCountByPostId(1440896).then(function(ratingCount) {if (ratingCount < 10) {£(“#post-rating-widget”).classList.remove(“hidden”);}}).catch(function(err){console.error(err);})}]]>

Tags:

adnams-cellar-and-kitchen listed on couponmatrix.ukesprit listed on couponmatrix.ukgraham-and-green listed on couponmatrix.ukluton-airport-parking listed on couponmatrix.ukpercy-and-reed listed on couponmatrix.uk888-poker listed on couponmatrix.uk
adnams-cellar-and-kitchen listed on couponmatrix.ukAdnams has been brewing its beers in the coastal town of Southwold since 1872. As well as distinctive brewery delights, Adnams also offers award-winning spirits, gin and vodka. Sip on a taste of homemade heaven with an Adnams voucher code and enjoy a cold brew for less. Dedicated to making great tasting and fantastic value products that won’t cost the earth, Adnams works in harmony with local farmers and nature, so that it can continue making fantastic blends for years to come.
esprit listed on couponmatrix.ukHaving made a name for itself making beautiful ranges of loungewear and active clothing, you can now pick up any type of outfit from Esprit whether you’re dressing up for the party or chilling out for the weekend. Use an Esprit voucher code from us as you make your next order and you’ll be amazed at the savings you make across the ranges for both men and women, as well as kids!
graham-and-green listed on couponmatrix.ukFor over 40 years, Graham & Green has searched the earth for the most beautiful treasures, and now - online and across five nationwide boutiques - you can explore the whimsical collection for yourself. Invite a little creativity into your home for less with a Graham & Green discount code and surround yourself in one-of-a-kind beauty. Decorate your spaces with the finest furniture, furnishings and accessories, and discover the true meaning of home.
luton-airport-parking listed on couponmatrix.ukKick-off that business trip or family vacay in the best possible way, and book a Luton Airport Parking space today. Leave your vehicle in secure, capable hands as you jet off to new pastures, and arrive at the check-in desk feeling relaxed and ready to fly. Grab a Luton Airport Parking discount code from us to score a steal of a price on your space and whether you’re looking for Luton Airport long term parking or a short term solution, you can lockdown your parking for less.
percy-and-reed listed on couponmatrix.ukStraight from Percy & Reed salons to your home, this award-winning haircare brand is for movie-star locks without the A-list price tag. Thanks to our Percy and Reed discount codes, seasonal sales and cheap (or even free!) delivery, it’s easy to get your hands on Percy and Reed shampoo, serums and hair masks for less than you’d expect. Top offers include 30% off when you buy the five-step routine, free delivery on orders over £30, points with purchases and free gifts with your order.
888-poker listed on couponmatrix.uk888 Poker is one of the world's most popular online poker rooms, with a large player base and plenty of action at all stakes. With an 888 Poker bonus code, you can get extra value when you deposit or play, making it even more fun to hit the tables. So whether you're a high roller or just starting out, be sure to check out our list of 888 Poker bonus codes, we're sure you'll find one that's perfect for you. At Groupon, we know that saving money is important to our customers. That's why we work hard to find the best 888 Poker promo codes and deals, so you can get the most bang for your buck. Whether you're looking for a bonus when you deposit, or a special promotion to take advantage of, we'll have something for you. And who knows, maybe you'll even get lucky and find a promo code that gives you free money to play with! If you're looking for a top-performing online poker room, look no further than 888 Poker. With its large player base and wide range of games and stakes, 888 Poker has something for everyone. Plus, with our exclusive 888 Poker promo codes, you can get even more value when you play. So whether you're a recreational player or a seasoned pro, be sure to check out 888 Poker today.