Last Update: April 27, 2023, 3:49 PM IST
Humaira Kazi won the WPL with Mumbai Indians. (pic credit: ig/hamairakaji)
WPL gives India’s uncapped cricketer a chance to rub shoulders with international stars like Harmanpreet Kaur and Hayley Mathews
The inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) emerged as an ideal platform for India’s uncapped cricketers to showcase their talent to a global audience. Humaira Kazi from Mumbai was one such cricketer who used the grand platform to prove her worth.
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Humaira was part of the Mumbai Indians franchise, which became the champions of the first season of the WPL.
In conversation with MI, Humaira opened up about what it means to share a dressing room with international stars like Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Talking about Brunt’s performance in the knockout stage, Humaira said that the English cricketer taught her how to handle herself in crisis situations.
Humaira took WPL as a platform to learn and improve her game.
“I think what I have learned personally from a player like Brunt is to back your strengths in any situation,” the 29-year-old all-rounder said.
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Humaira was referring to Brunt’s match-winning innings in both the eliminator and the final.
In the playoff meeting with UP Warriors, Brunt put in a blistering performance, scoring an unbeaten 72 off 38 deliveries. In the final against Delhi Capitals, the England international was seen in a different role, anchoring the innings while his team needed to chase down 132 to lift the title.
Brunt excelled in that role as well. He faced 55 balls and played an innings of 60 runs, which laid the foundation for a successful chase.
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Comparing the two innings, Humaira said, “The situation was different in the final but he still supported himself.” She knew she was the one who could take the team through the line. So that’s something I’ve learned.” Humaira acknowledged that the lessons will help her in the upcoming “domestic season or any camp she wants to be a part of.”
MI signed Humaira for Rs 10 lakh in WPL auction.
Given his lack of experience in major tournaments, Humaira managed to make it to the playing XI in only three matches.
The right-handed batsman could not deliver anything significant in his limited appearance, scoring only eight runs in three innings. But she managed to grab headlines after a brilliant fielding effort during a group game against Royal Challengers Bangalore. With an exceptional direct hit, Humaira, playing as a substitute fielder, helped Mumbai get rid of Ellyse Perry.
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