Harmanpreet Kaur led Mumbai Indians to a narrow nine-run victory over Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League, scoring 54 runs off 33 balls. Mumbai set a target of 179/6, bolstered by contributions from Nat Sciver-Brunt (38) and Amanjot Kaur (27). In response, Gujarat’s Bharti Fulmali attempted a comeback with a quick 61 off 25 balls, but they fell short, bowled out for 170. Mumbai’s bowlers, especially Shabnim Ismail (2/17) and Amelia Kerr (3/34), were pivotal in the win. The victory puts Mumbai on 10 points, just behind Delhi Capitals in the standings.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s impressive half-century was supported by an outstanding bowling display as Mumbai Indians triumphed over Gujarat Giants by nine runs, enhancing their prospects of securing the top spot in the Women’s Premier League in Mumbai on Monday. Opting to bat first, Harmanpreet displayed her skill with a remarkable innings, hitting nine boundaries to score 54 runs off 33 balls, leading MI to a formidable total of 179/6. The bowlers then took the reins, with stellar performances from Shabnim Ismail (2/17) and Amelia Kerr (3/34), as MI restricted Gujarat Giants to 170 all out in 20 overs, despite a blistering 25-ball 61 from Bharti Fulmali.
This victory sees Mumbai level with Delhi Capitals at 10 points, but they remain in second place due to a lower net run-rate. MI will look to secure a direct path to the final by finishing at the top when they face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their final league match on Tuesday.
Gujarat Giants, who wrapped up their league stage with eight points, will be required to play the eliminator on Thursday against the second-place team from the standings.
Having maintained a perfect 5-0 record against GG in the brief history of the tournament, MI continued to assert their dominance over the Gujarat side, who came into this match following three consecutive victories.
In pursuit of 180, Harleen Deol (24) and Phoebe Litchfield (22) got off to a promising start, but Gujarat lost wickets frequently, leaving them at 70/5 by the 11th over.
Harleen executed some stylish shots, including three consecutive fours off Hayley Matthews, who had previously dismissed Beth Mooney (7).
Kashvee Gautam (10), who was promoted to open the innings, was quickly sent back by young Sanskriti Gupta, with wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia performing a rapid stumping.
Shabnim Ismail then forced a thick edge from Ashleigh Gardner (0), causing Gujarat to slump to 41/3. Amelia Kerr utilized the DRS to remove the in-form Harleen, trapping her in front of the stumps.
Litchfield showcased some inventive shots, including a switch pull, but eventually fell to Ismail as Gujarat’s chase faltered.
Fulmali momentarily ignited hopes of a comeback with her eight fours and four sixes, but Amelia ended her assault on the final ball of her spell, extinguishing GG’s aspirations. Earlier in the match, besides Harmanpreet, Matthews (27), Nat Sciver-Brunt (38), and Amanjot Kaur (27) also contributed with quick scores.
After opting to bat first, Matthews began MI’s innings strongly, hitting a four and a six off Deandra Dottin in the opening over. However, Amelia Kerr (5) was run out during Gautam’s over.
Matthews struck several boundaries, while Sciver-Brunt matched her with two fours and a six as MI reached 44/1 after six overs.
Priya Mishra managed to dismiss the dangerous Matthews but allowed 13 runs in her following over. Skipper Ashleigh Gardner bowled two tight overs, but Meghna Singh faced Harmanpreet’s wrath as she gave away runs through multiple boundaries.
Harmanpreet and Sciver-Brunt constructed a partnership of 59 runs off 40 balls before Gardner broke it with a remarkable caught-and-bowled catch following a leading edge from the England player, bringing MI to 105/3 in the 14th over.
Amanjot Kaur shone during the middle overs, scoring four boundaries and a six in her brisk 27 off 15 balls before getting caught off Gautam’s bowling.
Kaur reached her fourth half-century against the Giants with a single off Dottin but was eventually dismissed in the 20th over.
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