The 19th Match clash of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 between Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians turned out to be a high intensity contest, with the Giants sealing a crucial 11-run victory to confirm their seat in the playoffs. Winning the toss, Gujarat Giants opted to bat first, a decision that proved decisive on a surface that rewarded positive strokeplay but demanded discipline from batters.
The Giants innings began on a shaky note as Beth Mooney departed early for 5, but the middle-order ensured the team never lost momentum. Sophie Devine provided early intent with 25 off 21 balls, setting the tone before Anushka Sharma played a valuable supporting role, scoring 33 from 31 deliveries. The backbone of Gujarat’s innings, however, was captain Ashleigh Gardner, who led from the front with a commanding 46 off just 28 balls. Gardner mixed strength with technique, finding the boundary seven times and keeping the run rate well above eight an over.
Georgia Wareham added the finishing touches with an explosive unbeaten 44 off 26 balls including 4 fours and 2 sixes, striking at an impressive run rate of 169. Bharti Fulmali remained unbeaten on 5 as Gujarat Giants posted a strong total of 167 for 4 in their 20 overs. Mumbai Indians tried to pull things back, with Amelia Kerr taking two wickets, while Shabnim Ismail and Nat Sciver-Brunt picking up one wicket each, but the Giants’ depth in batting proved too much to contain.
Chasing 168, Mumbai Indians got off to a mixed start. Sajeevan Sajana looked promising with 26 off 25 balls, but regular wickets disrupted Mumbai’s rhythm. Nat Sciver-Brunt was dismissed cheaply for 1, and despite a brief fightback, Mumbai found themselves under pressure by the halfway stage. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur stood tall amidst the collapse, producing a sensational knock of 82 not out from 48 balls. Her innings, laced with eight fours and four sixes, kept Mumbai in the hunt deep into the chase.
Amelia Kerr and Amanjot Kaur provided some late support, but the required rate continued to climb. Gujarat Giants held their nerve in the death overs, with Sophie Devine and Georgia Wareham playing key roles in breaking partnerships and restricting boundaries, they got 2 wickets each. Mumbai Indians eventually finished on 156 for 7, falling short by 11 runs despite Harmanpreet Kaur’s heroic effort.
The win was a landmark moment for Gujarat Giants, not only securing two vital points but also confirming their qualification for the playoffs, and also was their first-ever over Mumbai Indians in WPL history. It was a performance built on collective batting strength, smart leadership from Ashleigh Gardner, and disciplined bowling under pressure. For Mumbai Indians, the defeat was disappointing, but Harmanpreet Kaur’s outstanding knock remained a reminder of their fighting spirit.
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