In a nail-biting encounter at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, Gujarat Giants clinched a thrilling 11-run victory over Mumbai Indians in the 19th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. This hard-fought win propelled the Giants into the Eliminator showdown scheduled for February 3, keeping their playoff dreams alive.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Gujarat Giants posted a formidable 167 for 4 in their allotted overs. The innings kicked off with a steady 21-run opening stand between Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine. Mooney departed for 5, but Devine steadied the ship alongside Anushka Sharma, adding 48 runs for the second wicket.
Anushka Sharma dazzled with 33 runs off 4 fours and a six before falling. Devine contributed a brisk 25 off 21 balls. The real fireworks came from captain Ashley Gardner and Georgia Wareham, who forged a match-defining 71-run partnership for the fourth wicket in just 43 balls. Gardner smashed 46 off 28 deliveries with 8 boundaries, while Wareham remained unbeaten on 44 from 26 balls, including 2 sixes and 4 fours.
Mumbai’s Amelia Kerr was the standout bowler with 2 wickets, supported by Shabnim Ismail and Nat Sciver-Brunt with one each.
Chasing 168, Mumbai Indians stumbled early, losing 3 wickets for just 37 runs after a brief 23-run opening partnership between Sajana Sajeevan and Hayley Matthews. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur then took charge, partnering with Amelia Kerr for 45 runs off 30 balls for the fourth wicket. Kerr made 20 off 16 before perishing.
Harmanpreet continued her rescue act, adding 44 with Amanjot Kaur to push the score to 126. Amanjot scored 13 off 12. In the death overs, Harmanpreet unleashed 4 sixes and 8 fours, remaining unbeaten on a valiant 82 off 48 balls, but Mumbai fell short at 156 for 7.
Sophie Devine and Georgia Wareham starred with the ball for Giants, grabbing 2 wickets apiece. Kashvee Gautam, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Ashley Gardner chipped in with one each. This victory underscores Gujarat Giants’ resilience as they gear up for the Eliminator.