Grace’s timing was impeccable and the power behind every shot was unreal: Mithali Raj

Grace Harris stole the thunder on Monday night with some exhilarating strokeplay that proved too much for the Uttar Pradesh Warriorz’ bowlers to handle. Grace struck a quickfire 85 that not only propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a nine-wicket victory but also took them to the top of the table in the Women’s Premier League 2026.

Speaking about Grace’s blitz, former Indian captain and batting legend Mithali Raj said it was a blitzkrieg as Grace went berserk. “Grace Harris set the tone right from Deepti Sharma’s first over, playing through the line and taking on the quicks fearlessly. Her timing was impeccable, and the power behind every executed shot was unreal. At one point, even we commentators wondered what line or length could stop her. Set and in full flow, she went berserk, finding gaps, boundaries, and sixes with complete ease wherever the ball was bowled,” Mithali said on a JioHotstar programme.

Grace Harris played her natural game aggressively, keeping fans on their toes with five maximums: Mithali

Smriti Mandhana too had a satisfying day on the field and Mithali lauded the captain for her astute moves. “Grace Harris played her natural game aggressively, keeping fans on their toes with five maximums, while Smriti Mandhana played the perfect supportive role, scoring fluently through her chosen shots. As captain, Smriti will be delighted with this performance: the opening partnership, putting UPW into bat, dismissing their top order early, and the bowlers delivering. She’d be thrilled both as a batter and leader with this complete team effort,” Mithali said.

While the batters hogged the limelight later in the night, the Bengaluru bowlers should be given due credit for restricting their rivals to a modest total. Shreyanka Patil and Nadine de Klerk bagged two wickets apiece after Lauren Bell got rid of Harleen Deol.

Sheyanka, in particular, was impressive and played a big role in the Warriorz’ collapse. “That was a poor shot from Litchfield, trying to hit an off-stump ball over mid-on off a slower delivery. Shreyanka Patil is a street-smart cricketer who uses the crease brilliantly, varying angles from over and around the wicket. She nails yorkers as a spinner, bowls bouncers, and has the full package of variations with the heart to execute them. After missing last season through injury, this is her comeback stage, she’ll make it count,” said Reema Malhotra.

On Tuesday’s encounter between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants, former India stumper Saba Karim said: “Mumbai Indians look better balanced right now. Gujarat Giants have squeezed out wins, leaning heavily on a strong batting line-up led by Sophie Devine and Ashleigh Gardner, but their bowling feels a bit light. MI is the complete package across departments, making this a crucial encounter, I expect them to come out on top.”