The Women’s Premier League (WPL) clash between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants always brings a compelling mix of star power, tactical battles, and individual brilliance. While Mumbai boasts a champion core, Gujarat’s hopes in this fixture will heavily rely on their match-winners stepping up under pressure. For the Giants, Sophie Devine, Anushka Sharma, and Ashleigh Gardner form a dynamic trio that can shift the momentum of the contest in a matter of overs. Each of them brings a unique skill set, explosive batting, all-round versatility, and composure under pressure, which makes them crucial players to watch in this high-stakes encounter.
Sophie Devine
Sophie Devine remains one of the most destructive batters in the WPL and a proven game-changer for Gujarat Giants. Across her WPL career, Devine has amassed 614 runs in 25 matches at an average of 26.69, showcasing her ability to provide rapid starts and play match-defining knocks. She has already registered multiple half-centuries in the league, with her highest score being 99, narrowly missing out on becoming the first centurion in WPL history. Her power-hitting is a standout feature, Devine has smashed eight sixes in a single WPL innings on two occasions, a record that she jointly holds with Ashleigh Gardner and Chinelle Henry.
In WPL 2026, she further underlined her dominance with a sensational 95 off 42 balls against Delhi Capitals, striking at over 226 and dismantling the opposition attack in the powerplay. Such innings highlight her ability to control games at the top of the order and put bowlers under immense pressure. This season she has scored 212 runs and struck 15 wickets. Additionally, Devine’s utility as a bowler adds depth to Gujarat’s attack, making her a complete T20 package and a central figure in their game plan.
Anushka Sharma
Anushka Sharma is one of the most exciting young prospects for Gujarat Giants and a name that has rapidly entered the spotlight. The 22-year-old Indian batter made an impressive mark in WPL 2026, scoring 44 runs on debut. Her innings was part of a significant partnership with Ashleigh Gardner, where the duo stitched together a 103-run stand, demonstrating her ability to build innings and handle pressure situations.
Anushka has scored 128 runs in 5 innings with an average of 25.60 and a strike rate of 137.63. While still early in her WPL journey, Anushka has shown maturity beyond her years, combining solid technique with aggressive intent. Her role in the middle order is crucial, especially when Gujarat need stability after the powerplay or acceleration in the death overs. In matches against strong bowling attacks like Mumbai’s, her temperament and shot selection will be key, making her a fascinating player to watch in this encounter.
Ashleigh Gardner
Ashleigh Gardner, the captain and heartbeat of Gujarat Giants, is arguably one of the most influential all-rounders in the tournament. Known for her explosive batting and wicket-taking ability, Gardner has consistently delivered impactful performances in the WPL. She famously smashed eight sixes in a single WPL innings, equalling the record for the most sixes in a match, underlining her destructive potential in the middle order. She has amassed 765 runs in 32 innings with a staggering strike rate of 140.88.
With the ball, Gardner’s off-spin has often provided crucial breakthroughs, especially in the middle overs when teams look to consolidate. Gardner has picked up a total 30 wickets with best figures of 3/31. Her leadership also plays a pivotal role in Gujarat’s on-field strategies, whether it’s rotating bowlers, setting fields, or anchoring the batting lineup during tricky phases. She has scored 198 runs and picked 5 wickets in 7 innings this season. Gardner’s ability to contribute in all three departments, batting, bowling, and captaincy, makes her one of the most valuable players in this matchup.
As Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants lock horns in Match 19 of the WPL, the spotlight will firmly be on this trio. Sophie Devine’s explosive starts, Anushka Sharma’s emerging promise, and Ashleigh Gardner’s all-round brilliance form the backbone of Gujarat’s campaign. If these three find form on the same day, Gujarat Giants have the firepower and depth to challenge Mumbai’s dominance and turn the tide in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
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