Mumbai Indians opened their account in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 in emphatic fashion, securing a dominant five-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants. A disciplined bowling effort, led by Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Amelia Kerr, restricted the Giants to a modest 120. Sciver-Brunt then showcased her class with the bat, notching up her second consecutive half-century to guide Mumbai home with 23 balls to spare.
This victory not only marked Mumbai’s first win of the season but also extended their unbeaten run against Gujarat Giants to 5-0. With this loss, the Giants became the only team in WPL history without a single victory against a particular opponent.
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Giants’ Powerplay Collapse
Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved to be a masterstroke. She had spoken about taking advantage of the initial overs before the dew set in, and her bowlers executed the plan to perfection.
Mumbai started with pace from both ends, and Nat Sciver-Brunt struck early in the second over. Gujarat skipper Beth Mooney sliced a simple catch to Sanskriti Gupta at backward point, setting the tone for what was to come. The early breakthrough put pressure on the Giants, and Shabnim Ismail capitalized by dismissing Laura Wolvaardt. Her lofted drive went straight to S Sajana at deep cover, reducing Gujarat to 14/2.
Just four deliveries later, the Giants’ woes deepened as Hayley Matthews removed D Hemalatha. Attempting an across-the-line heave, she could only watch as Amelia Kerr sprinted from deep midwicket to take a brilliant catch.
Ashleigh Gardner, Gujarat’s standout performer in their previous matches, showed early promise with a well-timed four and six. However, her innings was cut short when she misjudged a Sciver-Brunt slower ball, sending a simple catch to Sajana at deep midwicket.
By the end of the powerplay, the Giants were reeling at 28/4—one of their lowest six-over totals in WPL history. Their innings had also been hampered by excessive dot balls; 26 of the 36 deliveries faced in the powerplay failed to produce a run, equalling the record for most dot balls in a WPL powerplay.
Deol Fights a Lone Battle
Despite the disastrous start, Gujarat’s aggressive approach didn’t waver. Batters continued to play their shots, but the lack of partnerships proved costly.
Deandra Dottin momentarily lifted the Giants’ spirits with a well-executed reverse sweep but fell soon after. She misread an Amelia Kerr delivery and was swiftly stumped by Yastika Bhatia.
Kashvee Gautam injected some momentum into the innings, smashing debutant Parul Sisodia for two fours before launching Ismail for a six over long-on. However, her promising cameo was cut short when she edged Matthews behind.
Through it all, Harleen Deol stood firm. She adopted a patient approach but remained proactive, capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Utilizing the sweep shot effectively, she found gaps consistently during her 31-ball 32. However, as wickets tumbled around her, the pressure mounted.
Deol eventually departed in the 17th over with the scoreboard reading 103/8, signaling the imminent end of the innings. Yet, Sayali Satghare and Priya Mishra ensured that the Giants batted their full quota of 20 overs.
For Mumbai, Matthews was the standout bowler, conceding just 16 runs in her four-over spell while picking up three crucial wickets. She bowled 16 dot balls, the same as Sciver-Brunt, while Ismail delivered 19 dot balls out of her 24.
Sciver-Brunt’s Class Guides Mumbai Home
Coming into the tournament, questions loomed over Sciver-Brunt’s form after a relatively quiet Ashes series. However, two back-to-back fifties have put those doubts to rest.
A 121-run chase was never going to trouble Mumbai, and Matthews gave them a brisk start. She struck three early boundaries before miscuing a long-hop from Tanuja Kanwar to Deol at square leg.
If Gujarat entertained any hopes of triggering a collapse, Sciver-Brunt swiftly dashed them. She got off the mark with a powerful pull shot and continued her dominance from there. Dottin was dispatched through point, while Priya Mishra was punished through square leg twice in three balls.
While Yastika Bhatia fell mistiming Mishra to long-on and Harmanpreet Kaur was trapped in front by Kashvee Gautam, Sciver-Brunt remained unfazed.
Her innings wasn’t built on power alone but precision as well. Finding gaps with ease, she kept the scoreboard ticking. She added a crucial 45-run stand with Amelia Kerr off 38 balls, inching Mumbai closer to victory.
Sciver-Brunt reached her half-century in just 34 balls, underlining her dominance. Though she fell seven runs short of the target, debutant G Kamalini made an instant impact, striking her first ball for four. Sajana then sealed the win in style, lofting Dottin over mid-off.
Mumbai Climb to Second; Giants Struggle
With this victory, Mumbai surged to second place on the WPL 2025 points table. Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants’ net run rate suffered a hit, though they remain in third place.
The win showcased Mumbai’s depth and balance, with both their bowlers and batters stepping up. For Gujarat, the inability to build partnerships and excessive dot balls remain areas of concern.
With the tournament still in its early stages, both teams will be keen to make further adjustments. Mumbai will look to carry forward this momentum, while Gujarat must regroup quickly to turn their campaign around.
FAQs
How did Mumbai Indians secure their first win in WPL 2025?
Mumbai Indians registered a dominant five-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants by restricting them to 120 runs and successfully chasing the target in 16.1 overs, thanks to Nat Sciver-Brunt’s match-winning half-century.
Who were the standout performers in Mumbai Indians’ victory?
Hayley Matthews (3/16), Nat Sciver-Brunt (50 runs & 1 wicket), and Amelia Kerr (2 wickets & crucial runs) played key roles in Mumbai’s commanding win.
Why did Gujarat Giants struggle in their innings?
Gujarat Giants suffered an early powerplay collapse, losing four wickets inside six overs. Excessive dot balls (26 in the powerplay) and lack of partnerships further dented their chances.
What is Mumbai Indians’ head-to-head record against Gujarat Giants?
With this win, Mumbai Indians extended their unbeaten record against Gujarat Giants to 5-0, making the Giants the only team in WPL history without a win against a specific opponent.
How does this result impact the WPL 2025 points table?
Mumbai Indians climbed to second place, while Gujarat Giants remain in third with a dent in their net run rate.
