This isn’t how we’d envisaged. We tried, fought, gave it our all, but couldn’t quite book a playoffs spot on our own. But first things first: let’s not panic, there is still hope. We need the result of the next game between the Delhi Capitals and the UP Warriorz to go in our favour, which means we need the Warriorz to win. Our superior net run-rate should take care of the rest.

“I like to focus on things that are in my control. If things go our way, we’ll be very happy. The good thing is that the tournament is still on. Let’s see what happens tomorrow. Today was something we wanted to focus on more, but unfortunately we couldn’t do what we had planned,” said Harmanpreet Kaur in the post-match ceremony. This was on the back of a masterclass. Okay, let’s recap..

Kaptaan Kaur and her love for the Giants

She simply loves the Giants. Today, it was a lone hand in the end, but despite the asking rate being over 15 runs an over, she never looked not in control of the chase. MI were reduced to 37/3 in the seventh over, and needed something special to pull off this 168-run chase. Enter Harman. She first had a good stand with Amelia Kerr to steady the ship, and then Amanjot Kaur was happy to play second fiddle as the skipper went for the big hits. Alas, despite her 48-ball 82 with eight fours and four sixes, we fell just short.

65(30)
51(30)
46*(41)
95*(48)
4(2)
54(33)
36(12)
71*(43)
82*(48) -- today
Nine innings, 504 runs at 100.8, SR: 175.6

This is also the first time MI have lost a game where Harmanpreet Kaur has had a 50+ score. What this also means is the end of our unbeaten streak over the Gujarat Giants. Stretching over four seasons, it was a proud eight-match winning run e we held.

Mumbai-Kerr tightens the screws

At 97/3 in 14 overs, MI had done really well to keep Gujarat’s scoring rate in check. And a large part of the credit had to go to Amelia Kerr, who with a couple of big wickets, was able to keep the pressure up. Even Shabnim Ismail was at her miserly best in the first spell, with figures of 3-0-12-1.

So we kind of have to be in suspense right now. Let’s amp up our prayers. Let’s gather up all the luck we can. Let’s hope the result on Sunday goes in our favour. Paltan, let’s do our bit to get the stars aligned!