The Gujarat Giants (GG) face the Mumbai Indians (MI) at Kotambi Stadium on February 18, 2025, aiming to end their 0-4 record against MI. GG has started the WPL 2025 season more robustly than last year, winning their second match against UP Warriorz. However, death bowling remains a concern. MI, despite a close loss in their season opener to Delhi Capitals, looks to recover with key players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Nat Sciver-Brunt. Both teams seek to improve their batting performances, with GG hoping Deandra Dottin continues her strong form to challenge MI’s dominance.
Gujarat Giants (GG) vs Mumbai Indians (MI)
Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, February 18, 2025, 7.30pm IST
What to expect: GG aiming to end MI’s dominance
During their last encounter, MI’s Harmanpreet Kaur delivered an impressive performance, scoring 95 runs off 48 balls, leading MI to a thrilling late victory that secured their playoff berth. This impressive display has allowed MI to maintain a
4-0 record against GG historically.
However, in 2025, GG has made a stronger start to the WPL compared to the previous two seasons. Unlike in 2024, where they required five attempts to secure their first win, this year they achieved victory in their second match, comfortably defeating UP Warriorz (UPW). Nevertheless, GG’s death bowling remains a troubling issue, having conceded 79 runs in the last 4.3 overs against RCB and allowing UPW to score 26 runs in the final eight deliveries. GG’s captain, Ashleigh Gardner, seeks better support from her top order, which managed only 22 runs collectively against UPW.
On the other hand, MI began the season with a narrow loss to Delhi Capitals, marked by three controversial run-out calls. They reached 164 runs, thanks to a blazing start from Nat-Sciver Brunt (80*) and Harmanpreet Kaur (42), but faltered as four of the remaining top-seven batters failed to score in double figures. MI will be eager for a turnaround against GG.
GG has maintained the same playing XI for both of their matches, after introducing four debutants in their opener against RCB. However, Sayali Satghare’s six overs have cost 64 runs, with just one wicket to her name. D Hemalatha has struggled with scores showing only 4 and 0. GG will hope that these players regain their form before it’s too late.
Gujarat Giants (probable): 1 Beth Mooney (wk), 2 Laura Wolvaardt, 3 D Hemalatha, 4 Ashleigh Gardner (capt), 5 Harleen Deol, 6 Deandra Dottin, 7 Simran Shaikh, 8 Tanuja Kanwar, 9 Sayali Satghare, 10 Priya Mishra, 11 Kashvee Gautam
Despite MI’s solitary game this season, there’s no immediate cause for concern regarding their batting line-up’s performance. They hope that Saika Ishaque, who was the second-highest wicket-taker in WPL last season, can bounce back after a disappointing outing against RCB, where she conceded 43 runs in three overs.
Mumbai Indians (probable): 1 Hayley Matthews, 2 Yastika Bhatia (wk), 3 Nat Sciver-Brunt, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5 Amelia Kerr, 6 S Sajana, 7 Amanjot Kaur, 8 Sanskriti Gupta, 9 Jintimani Kalita, 10 Shabnim Ismail, 11 Saika Ishaque
Deandra Dottin, who made her WPL debut this year, has already made an impact. Coming in at the 12th over in both matches, she scored quickly, hitting 25 off 13 balls against RCB and an unbeaten 33* off 18 balls in a challenging chase against UPW, helping GG chase down 144 with two overs to spare. GG will be hoping Dottin’s form continues as they look to break their MI jinx.
Although Nat-Sciver Brunt faced challenges in the recent Ashes series, she showcased her skills during MI’s opening match, scoring 80 runs off 59 balls and hitting 13 fours. This performance was nearly half of her total runs from nine innings in the last WPL season. MI will find comfort in her form, which is crucial, as their batting heavily relies on Harmanpreet’s contributions in the middle order.
