Mumbai Indians Edge Out Gujarat Giants by 9 Runs in Thrilling WPL 2025 Encounter
In a gripping encounter at the Brabourne Stadium on March 10, 2025, Mumbai Indians (MI) continued their dominance over Gujarat Giants (GG) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), securing a hard-fought 9-run victory in Match 19 of the 2025 season. The match, part of the final leg of the league stage, showcased brilliant individual performances, tense moments, and a nail-biting finish, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the last ball.
The match began with Gujarat Giants winning the toss and electing to bowl first, a decision influenced by their confidence in chasing targets throughout the season. However, MI’s batting lineup had other plans. After losing opener Amelia Kerr early for just 5 runs in the third over, MI steadied the ship with a brisk 27 from Hayley Matthews. The real momentum came from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who smashed a scintillating 54 off 31 balls, including her trademark powerful strokes. Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed a solid 38, while Amanjot Kaur’s quickfire 27 off 15 balls propelled MI to a competitive total of 179 for 6 in their 20 overs.
Gujarat Giants’ bowlers struggled to contain MI’s aggressive batting, with Priya Mishra picking up a key wicket and Ashleigh Gardner dismissing Sciver-Brunt caught and bowled. Despite their efforts, GG’s fielding lapses and inability to curb MI’s late surge allowed the home side to post a formidable target.
Chasing 180, Gujarat Giants faced early setbacks as MI’s bowlers struck with precision. Beth Mooney, GG’s in-form opener, fell for just 7 to Hayley Matthews, while Kashvee Gautam managed only 10 before being stumped off debutant Sanskriti Gupta. Captain Ashleigh Gardner’s duck further dented GG’s hopes, leaving them reeling at 41 for 3. Harleen Deol (24) and Phoebe Litchfield (22) attempted a recovery, but both fell to MI’s disciplined attack, with Amelia Kerr and Shabnim Ismail striking crucial blows.
At one stage, GG needed 102 runs off the last 8 overs, a daunting task against MI’s experienced bowling unit. However, Bharti Fulmali ignited hopes with a sensational 61 off just 27 balls, including a flurry of boundaries and sixes. Her aggressive strokeplay, coupled with a late cameo from Simran Shaikh (18), brought GG tantalizingly close. With 23 runs needed off the final 12 balls, the match seemed destined for a thrilling finish.
MI, however, held their nerve. Amelia Kerr dismissed Fulmali in the 17th over, halting GG’s momentum, while a series of tight overs from Matthews and Sciver-Brunt kept the pressure on. In the final over, needing 14 runs, GG’s tail couldn’t muster the required firepower. A dramatic double review for a caught-behind and stumping off Priya Mishra went GG’s way, but she fell on the next ball, sealing their fate. GG finished at 170 all out, falling 9 runs short of MI’s total.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s half-century was the cornerstone of MI’s innings, earning her the Player of the Match honors. Her ability to accelerate in the middle overs set the tone for MI’s imposing total. Bharti Fulmali’s valiant effort for GG kept the chase alive, but her departure proved decisive. On the bowling front, Amelia Kerr’s 3 wickets and Hayley Matthews’ economical spell were instrumental in MI’s defense.
The match’s turning point came in the 17th over when Kerr dismissed Fulmali, breaking a dangerous partnership and shifting the momentum back to MI. GG’s inability to capitalize on dropped catches and their early batting collapse also played a significant role in their defeat.
With this victory, Mumbai Indians extended their flawless record against Gujarat Giants to 6-0 in WPL history. The win propelled MI to 10 points, keeping them in contention for a direct entry into the final, depending on their final league match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. For GG, despite the loss, their qualification for the playoffs remains a positive, though they now face the Eliminator to keep their title hopes alive.
The match highlighted MI’s depth and resilience, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favorites. For GG, Fulmali’s emergence as a finisher offers hope, but their top order will need to fire in the playoffs. As the WPL 2025 caravan moves toward its climax, this thrilling contest at Brabourne Stadium will be remembered as a testament to the league’s growing competitiveness and excitement.
Mumbai Indians’ next challenge is a must-win clash against RCB on March 11, while Gujarat Giants prepare for the Eliminator on March 13, where they’ll aim to overturn their historical struggles against MI and keep their dream of a maiden WPL title alive.
