WPL 2025: Kamalini and Parunika Make Their Debut as MI Opt to Bowl Against GG

Key Takeaways

Mumbai Indians won the toss and opted to bowl.
Debutants Kamalini and Parunika played vital roles in India's U-19 World Cup success.
Gujarat Giants are looking to overturn their losing history against MI.
GG secured their first win earlier in the season against UP Warriorz.
Both teams are fielding strong line-ups for this crucial match.

Vadodara, Feb 18 (NationPress) The Mumbai Indians, former champions, won the toss and chose to bowl first against the Gujarat Giants during the fifth match of the third season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) held at the Kotambi Stadium on Tuesday.

The Mumbai Indians have introduced two promising talents, G. Kamalini and Parunika Sisodia, who both played a pivotal role in India’s recent U-19 World Cup triumph, with Sisodia earning the Player of the Match title in their impressive semifinal victory over England. Kamalini also contributed significantly by scoring an unbeaten fifty in that match.

Historically, the Mumbai Indians have maintained a strong record against the Gujarat Giants, having won all four prior meetings, including a nail-biting finish in 2024. However, the Giants have shown potential in this season and will be keen to shift the momentum in their favor when they challenge the 2023 champions on Tuesday.

Unlike their slow start in 2024, where they waited five matches for a win, the Gujarat Giants secured their first victory in just their second game this season by comfortably overcoming the UP Warriorz.

GG captain Ashleigh Gardner remarked, “We were also going to bowl. We know it is difficult to defend here. In our first game, we posted 200, which is a highly defendable total, and if we can replicate that tonight, there’s no reason we can’t defend it. We are fielding the same eleven.”

Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur stated, “We will be bowling first. The first six overs are crucial when bowling first, and we intend to leverage that advantage. We played excellent cricket and were in contention until the last ball. Today, we are introducing two debutants. Parunika replaces Saika Ishaque, and Kamilini is also making her debut. They are very enthusiastic and eager to play.”

Playing XIs:

Gujarat Giants Women: Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney (w), Dayalan Hemalatha, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Harleen Deol, Deandra Dottin, Simran Shaikh, Tanuja Kanwar, Sayali Satghare, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra

Mumbai Indians Women: Yastika Bhatia (w), Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), G Kamalini, Amelia Kerr, Sajeevan Sajana, Amanjot Kaur, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Parunika Sisodia