Mumbai Indians (MI) continued their dominance over Gujarat Giants (GG) with a thrilling nine-run victory in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. This win, their sixth consecutive triumph over GG, brings MI closer to securing a direct berth in the final. Despite a valiant effort from Bharti Fulmali, who smashed a 22-ball half-century, MI held their nerve to seal the win and move up the points table.
Match Summary: MI vs GG
- Mumbai Indians: 179/6 (Harmanpreet Kaur 54, Nat Sciver-Brunt 38, Priya Mishra 1-23, Ashleigh Gardner 1-27)
- Gujarat Giants: 170 all out (Bharti Fulmali 61, Amelia Kerr 3-34, Hayley Matthews 3-38)
- Result: MI won by 9 runs
Mumbai Indians Climb the Points Table
This crucial win places MI level with Delhi Capitals on 10 points but slightly behind on net run rate (0.298 compared to DC’s 0.396). A win in their final league match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru would guarantee MI a top-table finish and a direct entry into the final, avoiding the pressure of an eliminator match. The consistency and resilience shown by MI throughout the season reflect their intent to go all the way in WPL 2025.
Fulmali’s Explosive Knock Keeps GG in the Hunt
Chasing 180, GG found themselves in deep trouble at 70/5 by the 11th over. Enter Bharti Fulmali, who took the attack to MI, smashing three boundaries in a single over off Sciver-Brunt. She then targeted Kerr and Amanjot Kaur, blasting two massive sixes over long-on. Her 22-ball fifty, featuring a stunning sequence of 6, 6, 4, kept GG’s hopes alive. However, MI’s bowlers held firm, restricting GG to 170, just short of their target. Despite Fulmali’s valiant effort, the lack of partnerships hurt GG’s chances in the chase.
MI’s Opening Woes Continue
For the second consecutive match, MI opened with Amelia Kerr, but her struggles continued as she was run out early. The opening partnership remains a concern for MI, as they have yet to find a consistent combination at the top. Hayley Matthews and Sciver-Brunt stabilized the innings, utilizing the short boundaries to great effect. Matthews showcased her power with two early sixes, while Sciver-Brunt kept the scoreboard ticking. MI reached 44/1 at the end of the powerplay, setting the stage for a solid total.
Harmanpreet Kaur Leads MI’s Charge
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a captain’s knock, scoring her third half-century in four matches at the Brabourne Stadium. She formed a crucial 59-run stand with Sciver-Brunt before Gardner broke through. Amanjot Kaur provided a late flourish, smashing 27 off 15 balls, helping MI amass 55 runs in the last four overs. The aggressive approach in the death overs ensured that MI reached a competitive total of 179/6, putting pressure on GG in the chase.
Gujarat Giants Struggle in the Powerplay
GG made a tactical change by replacing Dayalan Hemalatha with Kashvee Gautam at the top of the order. However, the move backfired as MI’s bowlers struck early. Beth Mooney fell on the very first ball of Matthews’ spell, and Gautam struggled against the pace and swing of Shabnim Ismail. Ismail then removed Gardner for a two-ball duck, leaving GG reeling at 34/1 by the fifth over. With two key batters dismissed early, GG were forced to rebuild, but they failed to gain momentum in the middle overs.
Harleen Deol and Fulmali Offer Resistance
Harleen Deol attempted to counterattack with three consecutive boundaries off Matthews, but she soon fell to Kerr’s sharp googly. With wickets tumbling, Fulmali launched a counteroffensive, keeping GG’s chase alive. However, once she departed, GG’s hopes faded despite some late hitting from Simran Shaikh and Tanuja Kanwar. The inability to build partnerships in the middle overs proved costly for GG, as they fell agonizingly short of the target.
MI’s Bowling Attack Holds Its Nerve
While Fulmali’s onslaught momentarily shifted the momentum, MI’s bowlers kept their composure. Amelia Kerr and Hayley Matthews took three wickets each, dismantling GG’s batting order. Shabnim Ismail’s pace was a major factor, as she dismissed key batters like Gardner and Litchfield. Despite some big hits in the final overs, MI’s disciplined bowling attack ensured that GG never got ahead in the chase.
Mumbai Indians Eye Direct Final Qualification
With six wins in seven matches, MI are on the brink of securing a direct final berth. Their final league match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru will determine whether they finish at the top of the table or head to the eliminator. Given their dominant form, MI will look to continue their winning streak and enter the final with momentum on their side.
Mumbai Indians have once again demonstrated their championship pedigree, holding their nerve in a tense finish to move one step closer to WPL 2025 glory. Their all-round performance, led by Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and a strong bowling attack, makes them firm contenders for the title. If they can address their opening partnership concerns and maintain their composure in crucial moments, MI could very well lift the WPL 2025 trophy.
