WPL 2025: Sciver-Brunt Powers MI to a Convincing Win Over GG

Vadodara, Feb 18 (NationPress) The former champions Mumbai Indians (MI) secured their inaugural victory in the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) with an impressive five-wicket triumph over the Gujarat Giants (GG), successfully chasing a target of 121 with 23 balls remaining at Kotambi Stadium here on Tuesday.

MI commenced their chase with caution, as Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia faced a disciplined bowling display from GG. Matthews managed an early boundary off Ashleigh Gardner but struggled to find her rhythm against Tanuja Kanwer’s spin. Deandra Dottin was introduced into the attack but had difficulty with her line.

Eventually, Matthews found her stride, stepping out to Kanwer to send a full toss over square leg for four. However, she was dismissed shortly after, caught by Harleen Deol while attempting another shot to square leg, scoring 17 off 19 balls.

With the arrival of Nat Sciver-Brunt, the momentum shifted, as she flicked a boundary off her first delivery. She continued to impress, driving Dottin through point for another four. Meanwhile, Yastika aimed to stabilize the innings but fell for 8 off 10 balls after miscuing a shot off Priya Mishra to Laura Wolvaardt at mid-off.

At 51/3, MI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur entered and began positively, finding the boundary with a graceful shot past point. Unfortunately, she fell lbw to Kashvee Gautam for just 4 off 2 balls, giving GG a glimmer of hope. Despite the loss of wickets, Sciver-Brunt kept the scoreboard moving, capitalizing on loose deliveries by sweeping Mishra for a boundary and flicking Dottin's slower ball to deep backward square leg for another four.

Amelia Kerr provided solid support, hitting Mishra for a six and a four in consecutive deliveries. Sciver-Brunt reached her half-century in style, reverse-sweeping Gardner to fine third-man for a four, followed by another boundary past short fine-leg.

Just when MI appeared to be in control, Kerr was dismissed lbw by Gautam for 19 off 20 balls while attempting a scoop. Sajeevan Sajana came in ahead of G. Kamalini and wasted no time, smashing a high full toss for four. After scoring a brilliant 57 off 39 balls, Sciver-Brunt played one onto her stumps off Priya, concluding her match-winning innings. Kamalini made an immediate impact, cutting her first ball for four. Sajana then sealed the match in style, lofting a one-handed shot over covers for four, as MI chased down the target in 16.1 overs.

Earlier, MI executed a clinical bowling display, bowling out Gujarat Giants (GG) for a mere 120 runs. Led by all-rounder Hayley Matthews, who took three wickets for 16 runs, MI’s bowlers capitalized on early breakthroughs and tight lines, putting GG on the back foot throughout the innings.

Along with Matthews' stellar performance, Amelia Kerr and Nat Sciver-Brunt also played crucial roles in GG's downfall. Kerr finished with two wickets for 22 runs, while Sciver-Brunt added two wickets for 26 runs. For GG, Harleen Deol fought valiantly, scoring 32 off 31. With this comprehensive five-wicket victory, Mumbai Indians opened their account in the 2025 WPL, showcasing a formidable all-round performance led by Sciver-Brunt’s masterclass with the bat.

Brief scores:

Gujarat Giants 120 all out in 20 overs (Harleen Deol 32, Kashvee Gautam 20; Hayley Matthews 3-16, Amelia Kerr 2-22) lost to Mumbai Indians 122/5 in 16.1 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 57, Amelia Kerr 19; Kashvee Gautam 2-15, Priya Mishra 2-40) by five wickets.