Vadodara: Gujarat Giants sealed a place in the Women’s Premier League playoffs with a landmark 11-run victory over Mumbai Indians at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium on Friday, breaking their long-standing hoodoo against the two-time champions and qualifying for the Eliminator.
It was a historic night for the Giants, who defeated Mumbai for the first time in nine meetings, doing so at the perfect moment to keep their title hopes alive.
After winning the toss, Gujarat Giants chose to bat—ending a streak of 40 consecutive matches where teams opted to field first since the 2024 WPL final. The decision paid off as GG posted a competitive 167/4.
The innings was built around a decisive 71-run partnership between captain Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham, with Wareham providing the late acceleration. After a quiet middle phase that yielded just 58 runs between overs 7 and 15, Gujarat exploded in the final five overs, scoring 61 runs, highlighted by a 19-run over off Hayley Matthews.
Wareham finished unbeaten on 44 off 26 balls, while Gardner anchored the innings with authority.
Chasing 168, Mumbai Indians made a stuttering start and were reduced to 37/3 inside the powerplay. Hayley Matthews, Sajana Sajeevan, and Nat Sciver-Brunt all fell cheaply, putting MI firmly on the back foot.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led a valiant rescue act, forging partnerships with Amelia Kerr and Amanjot Kaur to keep Mumbai in the contest.
However, the lack of support at the other end meant the required run rate kept climbing.
Despite Harmanpreet batting deep into the innings, the big overs that could have swung momentum never came. Gujarat’s bowlers stuck to their plans, with the spinners exploiting the black-soil pitch effectively despite the dew.
Gujarat eventually closed out the game, with Gardner holding her nerve in the final over to secure an 11-run win.
Wareham Named Player of the Match
Georgia Wareham was named Player of the Match for her all-round performance, scoring a crucial unbeaten 44 and returning figures of 2/26 with the ball.
With this result Gujarat Giants have booked their place in the Eliminator. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have already sealed a direct berth in the final. Thle final playoff spot remains undecided between Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and UP Warriorz.
Delhi Capitals will face UP Warriorz in the final league match on Sunday, February 1. A Delhi win will send them through to the Eliminator, while Mumbai—who currently hold the best net run rate among the contenders—will be hoping for a UP Warriorz victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Source: WPL
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