WPL 2025: Gujarat Giants Look to Ashleigh Gardner for Victory Over Mumbai Indians (Preview)

Vadodara, Feb 17 (NationPress) In previous matchups, Mumbai Indians have been a formidable opponent for Gujarat Giants, having triumphed in all four previous contests, including a heart-stopping last-ball finish in 2024. Nevertheless, GG has displayed promising performances in this season and is determined to change their fortunes when they challenge the 2023 champions on Tuesday.

Unlike their sluggish start in 2024, when they waited five matches for a victory, GG secured their first win in just their second match this season, comfortably overcoming UP Warriorz. However, their death bowling has raised concerns, as RCB scored 79 runs off the last 4.3 overs in their opening game loss, while UPW managed 26 runs in the final eight deliveries of their innings.

Ashleigh Gardner, the captain of GG, will be seeking improved performances from her top order after their leading trio combined for just 22 runs against UPW. On a positive note, Deandra Dottin has made a significant impact in her debut season, showcasing an explosive strike rate in both matches. Her finishing skills will be crucial if GG aims to break their losing streak against MI.

MI began their campaign with a narrow defeat against Delhi Capitals, which featured three controversial run-out decisions. Despite a fantastic start led by Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 80 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s 42, MI could only manage 164, with four of their top seven batters scoring in single digits. The team will strive for more consistent contributions from the batting lineup against GG.

Bowling remains MI’s greatest strength, boasting four of the top six all-time WPL wicket-takers: Hayley Matthews (25), Saika Ishaque (24), Amelia Kerr (24), and Sciver-Brunt (21). Their experience and depth will be vital in countering GG’s batting order.

After a modest Ashes campaign, Sciver-Brunt found her rhythm with a fluent 80* against Delhi. MI will be hoping for another match-winning performance.

Gardner, the sole GG player to achieve the 300-run and 20-wicket double in WPL history, will play a pivotal role with both bat and ball.

Deandra Dottin has been a standout player thus far, scoring quickly in the middle order with an impressive strike rate of 187.09.

The MI captain has led from the front, scoring a blistering 95 in their last encounter against GG. Her leadership and stability in the middle order will be crucial.

Squads:

Gujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner (c), Beth Mooney, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harleen Deol, Laura Wolvaardt, Shabnam Shakil, Tanuja Kanwer, Phoebe Litchfield, Meghna Singh, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra, Mannat Kashyap, Bharti Fulmali, Sayali Satghare, Deandra Dottin, Simran Shaikh, Danielle Gibson, Prakashika Naik

UP Warriorz: Chinelle Henry, Anjali Sarvani, Deepti Sharma (c), Grace Harris, Kiran Navgire, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Shweta Sehrawat, Sophie Ecclestone, Tahlia McGrath, Vrinda Dinesh, Saima Thakor, Poonam Khemnar, Gouher Sultana, Chamari Athapaththu, Uma Chetry, Arushi Goel, Kranti Goud, Alana King