WPL 2025: Simran Shaikh Replaces Hemalatha as GG Choose to Bowl First Against MI
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Synopsis
In a pivotal match of WPL 2025, the Gujarat Giants opted to bowl first against the Mumbai Indians after winning the toss. Simran Shaikh returns to the lineup in place of Dayalan Hemalatha, while MI retains their previous XI. The match's outcome could significantly impact the tournament standings.
Key Takeaways
- The Gujarat Giants won the toss and chose to bowl first.
- Simran Shaikh replaces Dayalan Hemalatha in the Gujarat lineup.
- The match could determine the first finalist of the tournament.
- A win for Gujarat could secure them a spot in the finals.
- Mumbai aims to maintain their position in the top standings.
Mumbai, March 10 (NationPress): The Gujarat Giants (GG) won the toss and opted to bowl first against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 19th match of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 at the Brabourne Stadium here on Monday. In a lineup change for the Gujarat Giants, Dayalan Hemalatha is replaced by Simran Shaikh, while the Mumbai Indians maintain the same playing XI from their last match.
Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner stated, "We are going to bowl; it's a fresh surface. Expecting a good wicket, let's see what happens in the first innings. Taking a lot of positives from the last few games, it's nice to be winning. I'm excited about the future. Our team balance is solid. We have made one change and are playing well. Hopefully, tonight we can beat MI."
Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed, "We have been waiting for this moment. Happy to return here, looking forward to the game. This week is crucial for us; we aim to play our best cricket. Staying in the moment is important. We need to observe how the pitch behaves and adjust our target accordingly. Maintaining calmness and balance is essential. Enjoying the game is key; we are fielding the same XI."
Monday's match is anything but inconsequential—it could determine the tournament's first finalist.
Not long ago, the Gujarat Giants were at the bottom of the standings, similar to their finishes in the last two seasons. However, a stunning three-match winning streak has propelled them into a fierce competition with the Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals for the top position.
The situation is clear for Gujarat: a defeat to MI would send them to the Eliminator. However, a victory by 17 runs or successfully chasing a target of 180 within 18 overs would elevate them above the Delhi Capitals on Net Run Rate, giving them a strong chance to secure a direct spot in the finals.
For Mumbai Indians, currently in third place, a win would consolidate their position, while a loss wouldn't necessarily eliminate their chances of finishing at the top, as they have another match ahead.
Playing XIs:
Mumbai Indians: Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amanjot Kaur, Yastika Bhatia (wk), S Sajana, G Kamalini, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Parunika Sisodia
Gujarat Giants: Beth Mooney (wk), Harleen Deol, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Dayalan Hemalatha, Deandra Dottin, Kashvee Gautam, Phoebe Litchfield, Bharti Fulmali, Tanuja Kanwar, Meghna Singh, Priya Mishra
