Harmanpreet believed, Amanjot delivered

• Harmanpreet Kaur's words of encouragement to Amanjot Kaur proved pivotal as Mumbai Indians (MI) chased down the target against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025.
• Amanjot, batting at 20 off 22 deliveries, took charge in the crucial final overs, capitalizing on RCB's tactical misjudgments.

The turning point

• RCB's decision to introduce Kanika Ahuja in the 19th over backfired as Amanjot exploited her weaknesses.
• Amanjot's familiarity with Ahuja's bowling, honed through years of domestic cricket together, allowed her to target risk-free zones.
• She hit two sixes in the 19th over, reducing MI's required run rate to a manageable 6.25 in the final over.

Amanjot's resolve

• "I didn't want to drag it to the 20th over because pressure can affect execution. I wanted to finish it in the 19th or at least bring it down to run-a-ball," Amanjot said post-match.
• Her determination to step up was fueled by a personal resolution to take responsibility for finishing matches, especially with Pooja Vastrakar sidelined.

The bigger picture

• Amanjot's cameo of 37* under pressure and her earlier bowling figures of 3/22 caught the attention of Indian selectors.
• Her performance was a response to MI's lower-order batting struggles and a statement of intent ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup.

Amanjot's journey

• Recovering from a stress fracture in her back and a ligament tear in her hand, Amanjot used her time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to learn from top players like Suryakumar Yadav and Riyan Parag.
• "I'm here to fly. Setbacks will come, but I won't forget how to rise," Amanjot said, reflecting on her resilience.

Impact of the win

• The victory showcased MI's depth and Amanjot's ability to handle high-pressure situations.
• It also highlighted the importance of her role in填补 Pooja Vastrakar's absence.

Key takeaways

• Amanjot's performance was a blend of strategy, experience, and determination.
• Her ability to adapt and perform under pressure has put her back on the selectors' radar.

Quotes

• Amanjot Kaur: "I knew how and where Kanika bowls, because I've played with her so much. I knew what areas I could target to secure the runs."
• Amanjot Kaur: "Hum banne hi udne ke liye hain. Thehraav ayega, but hum udna nahin bhoolenge."

Conclusion

Amanjot's match-winning cameo not only secured MI's victory but also reaffirmed her role as a key player for the future. Her performance was a testament to her hard work, resilience, and ability to rise to the occasion.