'If we bring our A-game then no team can beat us' - Shikha Pandey warns Mumbai Indians ahead of WPL top-spot clash

Mumbai Indians suffered their first defeat of the Women's Premier League 2023 (WPL) during their latest game against UP Warriorz on Saturday, March 18. They remain at the top of the table and face Delhi Capitals in their next game on Monday. 

The Capitals are also enjoying a good campaign so far with four wins from their opening six games. A big win against Mumbai Indians in the upcoming game will boost their chances to finish at the top of the WPL points table and avoid the Eliminator clash. The Capitals' star pacer Shikha Pandey is also optimistic ahead of a crucial game and said that her team will produce their A-game against Mumbai Indians.

"We've had three days to prepare for this game. We didn't have a good outing in our last encounter against Mumbai Indians. We'll look to bring our A-game to the table this time. Our performance in our last game against Gujarat Giants showed that DC doesn't give up easily. It was a great effort from our team to get close to our target. And if we bring our A game then no team can beat us," Shikha said to Delhi Capitals.

Our bowling department has been performing very well on non-bowler-friendly wickets: Shikha Pandey

The 33-year-old has been a crucial figure behind the Capitals' run in the tournament so far. She has taken eight wickets from six innings while Marizanne Kapp and Tara Norris have contributed with seven wickets each for the Capitals. Shikha praised the Capital's bowling performances on non-friendly wickets at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium and Navi Mumbai's Dr DY Patil Sports Academy and also added that the batters are well prepared for a huge fight.

"We are expecting a huge fight from the Mumbai Indians and we are looking forward to the game. Our bowling department has been performing very well on non-bowler-friendly wickets. The batters will look to come together and pose a threat against MI as well," Shikha added.

However, despite the latest defeat, Mumbai Indians will enter the upcoming game as favorites as they won the respective first leg by eight wickets. They easily chased the 106-run target in just 15 overs with Shikha failing to get any wickets while conceding 9.33 runs per over.