Mumbai: Defending champions Mumbai Indians bounced back in style in their second outing of the TATA WPL 2026, registering a commanding win over Delhi Capitals after suffering a defeat in the season opener. Speaking on JioHotstar’s Match Centre Live, JioStar experts Mithali Raj and Katey Martin analysed Delhi’s batting collapse, Mumbai’s improved bowling performance, and the impact of senior players stepping up at crucial moments.
Reflecting on Delhi Capitals’ struggles with the bat, Mithali Raj highlighted the contrast between the two sides. She noted that while Mumbai Indians had senior players stabilising the middle order during the chase, Delhi failed to capitalise on their strong top order. With players like Shafali Verma and Lizelle Lee expected to provide a solid powerplay foundation, the inability of the top five to even post a hundred runs was a major setback for the Capitals.
Praising Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Mithali pointed out her composure and clean striking. From the moment she arrived at the crease, Harmanpreet looked in control, timing the ball sweetly and continuing the form she showed in the previous game. Her ability to read lengths, target specific areas, and take on spinners effectively helped swing momentum Mumbai’s way, especially during a decisive over against Minnu Mani, shared with Nat Sciver-Brunt.
On Nat Sciver-Brunt’s importance to the side, Mithali was emphatic. She said that while the all-rounder may have the occasional quiet outing, a big innings is always around the corner. Mumbai Indians are well aware that their success often hinges on Sciver-Brunt’s contributions, as her performances tend to lift the entire team’s energy and output.
Katey Martin, meanwhile, focused on Mumbai Indians’ bowling turnaround against Delhi Capitals. She observed that the bowlers were far more disciplined, bowling straighter lines and better lengths. Early pressure from the seamers allowed Amelia Kerr to dominate the middle overs, while Shabnim Ismail’s pace and Nicola Carey’s accuracy were key in unsettling the batters. Martin also highlighted the sharp fielding effort, noting that crucial catches—missed in the previous game—were held this time, reflecting a clear improvement in execution and mindset.
Overall, the experts agreed that Mumbai Indians’ swift adjustments, senior leadership, and collective responsibility played a decisive role in their resurgence, reinforcing their credentials as strong contenders once again in WPL 2026.
