WPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Survive Last Over to Defeat Gujarat Giants
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Synopsis
In a thrilling match on March 10, Mumbai Indians defeated Gujarat Giants by nine runs at the Brabourne Stadium. Harmanpreet Kaur starred for MI with 54 runs, while Bharti Fulmali's explosive 61 for Gujarat fell short, maintaining MI's unbeaten record against the Giants in WPL history.
Key Takeaways
- Mumbai Indians continue their dominance in WPL.
- Harmanpreet Kaur played a pivotal role with a solid 54 runs.
- Bharti Fulmali's remarkable 61 off 25 was not enough for Gujarat.
- MI's bowling attack performed excellently under pressure.
- Gujarat struggled to maintain partnerships throughout the match.
Mumbai, March 10 (NationPress) The former champions Mumbai Indians showcased their prowess once again against the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League, securing an exhilarating nine-run triumph in the 19th match held at the Brabourne Stadium. This victory reinforces MI's impeccable record against the Giants, marking six consecutive wins in WPL history.
Choosing to bat first, the Mumbai Indians established a strong foundation with Hayley Matthews (27 off 22) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (38 off 31). However, it was their captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, who shone brightly, scoring an impressive 54 off 33 balls. Kaur's blend of inventive strokes and powerful hitting ensured a swift scoring pace for MI.
She received valuable support from Amanjot Kaur, who contributed a dynamic 27 off 15 balls, including two fours and a six in a single over, propelling MI past the 170-run threshold. Yastika Bhatia’s rapid 13 off four balls also proved significant as MI concluded their innings at a competitive 179/6.
Gujarat Giants entered the match with a new opening duo of Kashvee Gautam and Beth Mooney, aiming for a solid start. Mooney managed an early boundary off Shabnim Ismail, but Mumbai’s bowlers tightened their grip, limiting the run flow. Mooney, trying to pick up the pace, fell for 7 off 9, caught at cover off Hayley Matthews. Harleen Deol added some momentum to their chase with a brisk 24 off 17 but was dismissed via DRS off Amelia Kerr, a crucial moment in the match.
Gujarat faced difficulties building partnerships as wickets fell steadily. Kashvee Gautam (10 off 14) was stumped by Sanskriti Gupta, while Ashleigh Gardner was out for a duck, edging to slip off Ismail. Phoebe Litchfield fought back with 22 off 16, showcasing her shot range, but she too succumbed to Ismail’s clever bowling. With a score of 92/6, the Giants’ pursuit appeared daunting.
Just when MI seemed to have complete control, Bharti Fulmali turned the tide with an astonishing counterattack. Coming in at No. 7, she unleashed a barrage of boundaries, aggressively cutting and driving. She hit Amelia Kerr for a six and a four in a pivotal over, racing to an electrifying 61 off 25 balls, becoming only the second batter in WPL history to achieve a fifty from No. 7 or lower.
Simran Shaikh (18 off 10) and Tanuja Kanwar (10 off 6) offered vital support, keeping Gujarat in the contest. Shaikh’s six over long-on and Tanuja’s strategic placements kept the pressure on MI’s bowlers. However, MI's seasoned attack remained composed in the closing overs.
The last five overs were a thrilling ride. Fulmali maintained her aggressive approach but was dismissed at a crucial moment, giving MI a chance. Tanuja Kanwar’s unfortunate run-out further compounded Gujarat’s struggles, and when Matthews cleaned up Shaikh, the game was nearly over. In a last-ditch effort, Priya Mishra reviewed a dismissal, but it was to no avail as she fell the very next ball, sealing Mumbai’s victory.
For the Mumbai side, Amelia Kerr (3/34), Hayley Matthews (3/38), and Shabnim Ismail (2/17) stood out with the ball.
Mumbai Indians 179/6 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 54, Nat Sciver-Brunt 38; Ashleigh Gardner 1-27, Priya Mishra 1-23) defeated Gujarat Giants 170 all out in 20 overs (Bharti Fulmali 61, Harleen Deol 24; Amelia Kerr 3/34, Hayley Matthews 3/38) by nine runs.
