Mumbai Indians (MI) secured their fifth victory in the Women’s Premier League 2025 with a thrilling 9-run win over Gujarat Giants (GG) at Brabourne Stadium on Monday. Thanks to Harmanpreet Kaur’s explosive half-century and impressive bowling performances from Amelia Kerr and Hayley Matthews, MI moved up to second place in the points table.
MI’s Innings: Kaur Leads with a Strong Knock
After Gujarat Giants’ captain Ashleigh Gardner won the toss and decided to bowl first, MI faced an early setback. Gardner ran out Amelia Kerr for just 5, leaving MI at 17/1. Soon after, Hayley Matthews provided a quick start with a 27-run knock but lost her wicket to Priya Mishra.
However, Mumbai Indians recovered as Nat Sciver-Brunt (38) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur built a crucial 59-run partnership. Their stand brought much-needed stability, but Gujarat struck back when Gardner dismissed Sciver-Brunt with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort.
As the innings progressed, Amanjot Kaur delivered a late boost, smashing 27 off 15 balls, including three boundaries and a six. Though Kashvee Gautam eventually dismissed her, MI had already gained momentum. Meanwhile, Harmanpreet Kaur continued her aggressive approach, reaching fifty in just 31 balls. She played a vital role in setting up a competitive total before Tanuja Kanwar dismissed her in the final over for 54 off 33 balls.
In the closing moments, Sajeevan Sajana (11 off 6)* and Yastika Bhatia (13 off 4) added quick runs, helping MI post 179/6. On the bowling front, Gujarat’s bowlers—Gardner, Kanwar, Gautam, and Mishra—each picked up a wicket.
Gujarat’s Chase: Fulmali’s Heroics Not Enough
In response, Gujarat Giants had a shaky start. Beth Mooney fell early for 7, leaving GG at 15/1. As pressure mounted, MI’s bowlers tightened their grip. Soon after, Kashvee Gautam departed cheaply. Moreover, Shabnim Ismail struck a big blow by dismissing captain Ashleigh Gardner for a duck, reducing GG to 41/3.
At this point, Gujarat needed a solid partnership. Harleen Deol attempted to counterattack with an aggressive 24 but fell to Amelia Kerr. Soon after, Phoebe Litchfield (22) and Deandra Dottin (10) also lost their wickets quickly, putting Gujarat in deep trouble.
Just when MI seemed in complete control, Bharti Fulmali turned the game around with a breathtaking 61 off just 25 balls. Her fearless knock reignited GG’s hopes and brought them back into the contest. However, MI struck at a crucial moment, as Kerr dismissed Fulmali to tilt the game back in their favor.
In the final overs, Simran Shaikh (18 off 16) and Tanuja Kanwar (10 off 6) fought hard to keep Gujarat’s chances alive. Nevertheless, MI held their nerve and wrapped up the innings, bowling GG out for 170 and securing a hard-fought victory.
Key Performances and Player of the Match
Without a doubt, Matthews and Kerr were MI’s standout bowlers, each taking three wickets. Their crucial breakthroughs dismantled Gujarat’s batting lineup.
For her match-winning 54 off 33 balls, Harmanpreet Kaur deservedly won the Player of the Match award. Her leadership and batting played a key role in MI’s important win as the WPL playoffs approach.
