Probable playing XI of Mumbai Indians women for WPL 2024

Mumbai Indians women had a brilliant season as a team in the inaugural edition of the WPL. They produced some of the talents to watch out for with their scouting and added the maiden title to the cabinet. By beating Delhi Capitals women in the final, MI women won the title. On the 23rd of February, the two teams will have a rematch as the season opener at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

This time around, MI women seem to have a very good squad. They did well in the WPL auction and got some of the top players in the world. Given their squad on paper, MI women look good to defend their title. As a result, they start the league as one of the favourites to win.

They have some of the best players in the world and possess younger talents. It is time to look at the probable XI of MI women in the WPL 2024. 

Top Order

To open the batting is the duo of Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Mathews. The left-right combination worked well for MI women in the WPL 2023. Hayley was arguably the best player of the tournament as she contributed both with the bat and with the ball. The West Indian was the leading wicket-taker in the league. Yastika could not have a breakthrough season with the bat.

However, she could be expected to step up come the 2nd edition of the league. She will also keep the wickets for her side. To follow the opening pair would be Nat Sciver Brunt of England. The star batter can anchor the innings and finish it on a fantastic note. Her experience would be crucial for the success of the defending champions.

Middle Order

MI women are likely to have their skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur, at number four. The star batter hasn’t had a great time with the bat and WPL would be a perfect opportunity for her to step up. At number 5, MI will have the all-around prowess of Amelia Kerr. The Kiwi can come down the order to finish the innings and bowl some spin if required.

To follow the two established players are the two Indian youngsters. Amanjot Kaur, one of the emerging players of the league in 2023, will bat at 6 in the 2nd edition. She can bowl as well. S Sanjana would also be handy for MI women with her All-around capabilities. It will be a very good opportunity for the two young players to make a name for themselves.

Bowlers

At number 8, MI women will have Pooja Vastrakar, who is a multi-dimensional player. With the ball, she can deliver with the new ball and be handy with the old ball. With the bat, she can add some runs lower down the order. They have young sensation Jintamani Kalita as one of their key bowlers for this season. There will be some expectations from the talented youngster.

Saika Ishaque will be the genuine spinner in MI’s attack. She was the emerging player of the season in 2023. With her left-arm orthodox spin, Ishaque will be handy for MI women. Shabnim Ismail will lead the attack of MI in WPL 2024. The South African pacer has experience of bowling at the highest level. She will be the key pacer for MI to claim early wickets and close out the things at the death.

Predicted XI of MI women for WPL 2024: Yastika Bhatia, Hayley Mathews, Nat Sciver Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, S Sanjana, Pooja Vastrakar, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque, and Jintimani Kalita.