Navi Mumbai, Jan 13 (NationPress) A stunning captain's performance by Harmanpreet Kaur, along with significant support from Amanjot Kaur, and a powerful finish by Nicola Carey enabled the Mumbai Indians to secure their second triumph of the season, defeating the Gujarat Giants by seven wickets during the sixth match of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026, held at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday.

In pursuit of a challenging target of 193 runs, MI exhibited a blend of patience and aggression, with Harmanpreet concluding the match emphatically, showcasing an impressive batting display from both the Kaurs — Amanjot and Harmanpreet.

Earlier, after winning the toss, Harmanpreet opted to field, a decision that appeared precarious as the Gujarat Giants accumulated runs rapidly. They began their innings explosively, reaching 62 for 1 in the Power-play. Beth Mooney, who was granted a second chance after being dropped on a duck by G. Kamalini off Shabnim Ismail in the first over, took full advantage, scoring freely. Sophie Devine was dismissed early for eight by Ismail, but Kanika Ahuja, elevated to the No. 3 position, maintained the momentum with an aggressive batting style.

Amelia Kerr managed to rein in the scoring for Mumbai after the Power-play by dismissing Mooney for 33, breaking a crucial 42-run partnership. Ashleigh Gardner contributed a brisk 20 runs off 11 balls before falling victim to LBW; nevertheless, Gujarat reached the halfway point at a strong 99 for 3. Kanika’s dynamic innings of 35 off 18 balls concluded in the 11th over, allowing MI to tighten their grip during the middle overs.

In the final phase, the momentum shifted significantly. In a daring tactical decision, Gujarat retired Ayushi Soni in the 16th over after she scored 11 off 14 balls. This move proved fruitful as Bharti Fulmali entered and turned the tide. After surviving two close LBW appeals in consecutive deliveries, Fulmali launched an astonishing attack, hitting three fours and three sixes in an electrifying unbeaten 36 off 15 balls.

Georgia Wareham acted as a steady support with a composed 43 not out, as Gujarat amassed 23 runs in the final over and 62 runs in the last five overs, concluding with a formidable total of 192 for 5. For Mumbai, Shabnim Ismail (1/25), Hayley Matthews (1/34), Nicola Carey (1/36), and Amelia Kerr (1/40) claimed one wicket each.

In their chase of the hefty total, the Mumbai Indians faced an early setback when G Kamalini (13 off 12) was stumped expertly by Beth Mooney off Renuka Singh Thakur. Hayley Matthews looked threatening, hitting three fours and a six in her 12-ball innings of 22, before being dismissed by Kashvee Gautam as she switched ends in her second spell. By the end of the Power-play, MI was at 48 for 2, placing responsibility on the two Kaurs.

Amanjot Kaur, elevated to the No. 3 position, played a fearless innings, scoring 40 off just 26 balls with seven boundaries. Meanwhile, Harmanpreet Kaur took her time to adapt before accelerating, the pair forming a crucial 72-run partnership for the third wicket. Amanjot was ultimately dismissed by Sophie Devine, but the damage had already been inflicted.

Harmanpreet, who enjoyed three reprieves during her innings, reached her fifth half-century against the Giants, becoming just the second player in WPL history, following Nat Sciver-Brunt, to surpass the 1000-run milestone. Nicola Carey then capped off the innings with a fluent unbeaten 38 off 23 balls, decorated with six boundaries. Harmanpreet sealed the chase with the winning boundary in the final over, concluding with an impressive 71 off 43 deliveries, which included seven fours and two sixes.

Brief Scores:

Gujarat Giants: 192/5 in 20 overs (Georgia Wareham 43 not out, Bharti Fulmali 36 not out; Shabnim Ismail 1-25, Hayley Matthews 1-34) lost to Mumbai Indians: 193/3 in 19.3 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 71 not out, Amanjot Kaur 40; Kashvee Gautam 1-33, Renuka Singh 1-39) by seven wickets.