Kerr shines as Mumbai return to form

Amelia Kerr took three wickets, scored 31 runs, and effected a crucial run-out as Mumbai Indians ended the group stage of the Women's Premier League with a return to form. 

The New Zealander ran out compatriot Sophie Devine, who made 99 in her previous innings, for a second ball duck as Indians beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by four wickets with 21 balls to spare.

Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss for the first time in their eight matches and put RCB in. Three balls later Devine got into a horrible mix-up with Smriti Mandhana and was run out by Kerr from backward point.

RCB were subsequently restricted to 9-125 with Kerr taking 3-22 and English pair Izzy Wong and Nat Sciver-Brunt two wickets apiece. Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh top-scored with 29 each for RCB who end their disappointing campaign with two wins from eight matches.

With a playoff place already certain Indians attacked the target with gusto, seeking to improve their net run rate (NRR) to the extent they could book direct entry into Sunday's final.

The 50 came up after 31 balls with an over from Perry having gone for 12, but then wickets began to tumble. After Yastika Patil went for a 26-ball 30 Megan Schutt (1-19 off four) dismissed Hayley Matthews for 24 off 17. When Perry (1-18 off two) bowled Kaur Indians were 4-74. 

Kerr steadied the innings and led Indians to victory, her unbeaten 31 coming off 27 balls. 

However, it was not quick enough to lift their NRR above Delhi Capitals and Mumbai were left to sweat on the result of Delhi's later match with UP Warriorz; Delhi's win then sealed top spot and consigned Mumbai to Friday's eliminator against the Warriorz. 

Aussies in WPL 2023

Delhi Capitals: Meg Lanning, Jess Jonassen, Laura Harris

Gujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham

Mumbai Indians: Heather Graham

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Erin Burns

UP Warriorz: Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy