Mumbai Indians extended their winning streak against Gujarat Giants, securing their sixth consecutive victory in the WPL. In a nail-biting match at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai triumphed by nine runs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led the charge with a crucial 54 runs, supported by Nat Sciver-Brunt’s 38 in a 59-run partnership. Later, bowlers Amelia Kerr and Hayley Matthews each took three wickets, while Ismail delivered an economical spell, conceding only 17 runs in her four overs and taking 2 wickets. For the Giants, Bharti Fulmali’s spectacular 61 off 25 balls was not enough to secure a win, and the Giants are now set to compete in the eliminator on March 13.
Playing in front of their home fans for the first time since their 2023 trophy win, Mumbai Indians started aggressively, scoring 12 runs in the first over bowled by Deandra Dottin. However, their opening partnership woes continued as Kerr was run out for just five runs. Despite some early swing, Dottin struggled with her control, allowing Matthews to apply pressure.
Mumbai’s innings gained momentum with Sciver-Brunt capitalizing on loose deliveries from Tanuja Kanwer, hitting two fours and a six. Gujarat Giants managed a breakthrough after the strategic timeout, dismissing the dangerous Matthews, caught behind off legspinner Priya Mishra. However, Mishra faced punishment in the 9th over as Mumbai scored three fours against her. Meghna Singh’s introduction into the attack didn’t stop Harmanpreet, who responded with two fours. Mumbai Indians accelerated from 50 runs after eight overs to 100 for 1 by the end of the 13th over.
Ash Gardner returned to bowl her second spell and claimed the important wicket of Sciver-Brunt. Amanjot Kaur, promoted to No. 6, attacked Gautam, hitting consecutive boundaries and a six before being dismissed by Gardner. Harmanpreet and Sajana Sajeevan each hit two boundaries in the 18th and 19th overs, with Harmanpreet reaching her half-century. Despite Harmanpreet’s dismissal at the start of the 20th over, Yastika Bhatia took advantage of the favorable matchup against Kanwer, hitting a four and a six, helping Mumbai Indians reach a total of 179 for 6.
Needing to chase the target within 18 overs to climb to the top of the table, Gujarat Giants sent Gautam to open. Similar to Mumbai, the Giants had a poor start as Beth Mooney was caught at cover off Matthews. Harleen Deol, fresh from a match-winning 70*, started aggressively, hitting three consecutive boundaries off Matthews.
Despite hitting two boundaries, Gautam consumed 14 deliveries for her 10 runs before being stumped off Sanskriti Gupta. Ismail was brought back after the PowerPlay and dismissed Gardner for a duck, putting the Giants under pressure. Litchfield attacked Gupta in her second over, scoring three boundaries. Just as things looked promising for the Giants, Kerr deceived Deol with a googly and trapped her leg before wicket. Litchfield was then dismissed attempting a scoop shot against Ismail, and Kerr also cleaned up the dangerous Dottin.
Bharti Fulmali began to accelerate her innings, scoring 14 runs in an over against Sciver-Brunt and then hitting Kerr for a six. With 80 runs needed in the last 6 overs, Fulmali played short balls effectively off Amanjot, ending the over with a six. She then created room against Parunika Sisodia’s spin and lofted her for two fours, followed by another towards deep mid-wicket.
Fulmali continued her assault, hitting Kerr for two more sixes and reaching her fifty in just 22 balls, keeping the Giants in contention. She then sliced Kerr for a boundary but was dismissed attempting a similar shot shortly after. Despite Fulmali’s dismissal, the Giants’ chase continued as Simran Shaikh hit Matthews for a six, and Kanwer surprised everyone with a reverse sweep for a boundary. Sciver-Brunt conceded 10 runs in the penultimate over before Matthews finally sealed the victory for Mumbai Indians.
Brief Scores: Mumbai Indians 179/6 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 54, Nat Sciver-Brunt 38; Priya Mishra 1-23, Ashleigh Gardner 1-27) defeated Gujarat Giants 170 in 20 overs (Bharti Fulmali 61, Harleen Deol 24; Amelia Kerr 3-34, Hayley Matthews 3-38) by 9 runs.
