Synopsis
In a brilliant performance, the Mumbai Indians triumphed over the Gujarat Giants by 47 runs in the WPL 2025 Eliminator, setting up a title match against the Delhi Capitals. Stellar batting from Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt, along with effective bowling, secured MI's victory at the Brabourne Stadium.Key Takeaways
- Mumbai Indians showcased dominance in all game aspects.
- Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt each scored 77 runs.
- MI set a formidable target of 213 runs.
- Effective bowling led to GG's dismissal for 166 runs.
- The final will be a rematch against the Delhi Capitals.
Mumbai, March 13 (NationPress) In a commanding display, the Mumbai Indians showcased their prowess across all facets of the match, securing a decisive 47-run victory over the Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator held at the Brabourne Stadium on Thursday. This win sets the stage for Saturday's WPL 2025 championship showdown against the Delhi Capitals.
On a fresh pitch, stellar performances from Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt, both scoring 77 runs, alongside a thrilling 36 from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, propelled MI to an impressive total of 213/4. During the defense of this formidable score, Hayley excelled with her off-spin bowling, taking 3 wickets for 31 runs, and helping to dismiss GG for 166 runs in just 19.2 overs. She was well-supported by Amelia Kerr, who claimed two wickets, while Nat and Shabnim Ismail also contributed to securing MI's position in the final against DC at the same venue, marking a rematch of the 2023 WPL final.
Shabnim made an early impact for Mumbai, catching Beth Mooney off her outside edge at first slip. Meanwhile, Harleen Deol and Danielle Gibson managed to hit five boundaries between them before Harleen was run out due to an accurate throw from Sanskriti Gupta and Yastika Bhatia.
Hayley further damaged GG's hopes by bowling out Asheigh Gardner for just eight runs. Despite some boundary hitting from Danielle and Phoebe Litchfield, the required run rate remained unattainable for GG.
A powerful throw from Amanjot Kaur led to Danielle's run out at 34 runs, while Phoebe was stumped for 31 after misreading a googly from Amelia. Following a mix-up, Kashvee Gautam was also run out, and although Bharti Fulmali and Simran Shaikh attempted to delay the inevitable with some boundaries, Hayley ultimately bowled Bharti out.
From that point, wickets tumbled as Amelia, Nat, and Hayley each claimed a wicket, ensuring MI advanced to their second WPL final while maintaining an unbeaten record against GG in front of their home crowd, including team owners and IPL counterparts.
Previously, Hayley and Nat formed a remarkable partnership, scoring 133 runs off just 71 balls for the second wicket, delivering a batting masterclass to their home supporters. Hayley struck ten fours and three sixes in her 50-ball innings, while Nat added ten fours and two sixes in her 41-ball performance. Harmanpreet then took charge, scoring 36 runs off just 12 balls, including two fours and four sixes, at a striking rate of 300, propelling MI to a colossal total in this knockout match. For GG, it was a forgettable phase as their bowlers struggled against MI's aggressive batters, compounded by poor fielding and catching.
Hayley kicked things off stylishly, cutting Ashleigh Gardner for four and soon benefited from a drop catch when Beth Mooney failed to hold onto a chance off her drive. Meanwhile, Yastika Bhatia scored three boundaries in her brief 14-ball 15 before miscuing a shot to mid-wicket off debutante Danielle Gibson.
Thereafter, it was a relentless display as Hayley and Nat consistently punished GG's beleaguered bowlers. Hayley primarily found boundaries off the backfoot, including taking three boundaries off Priya Mishra's opening over, while Nat drove the ball crisply and accumulated runs, mostly through the leg side.
The duo also benefited from GG's numerous misfields, especially outside the 30-yard circle, and poor catching. Hayley reached her fifty in just 36 balls by hitting a six off Tanuja Kanwer, while Nat achieved her fifty in 29 balls with a maximum off Danielle.
After Nat's six off Danielle, Hayley was dropped again on 57 when Ashleigh couldn't hold a catch at long-on. To add to GG's woes, Hayley struck Priya for two sixes and a four before edging a ball behind for 77 off 50 deliveries.
Following this, Priya dropped a catch off Harmanpreet at mid-wicket, which allowed the MI captain to take charge, hitting two fours and two sixes off Tanuja in the 18th over. Although Nat miscued a ball to deep mid-wicket and was dismissed for 77 runs off 41 balls, Harmanpreet continued to dominate with two more massive sixes before being run out on the last ball, propelling MI past the 210-run mark, more than enough to secure a spot in Saturday's finals.
Summary of Scores:
Mumbai Indians 213/4 in 20 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 77, Hayley Matthews 77; Danielle Gibson 2-40, Kashvee Gautam 1-30) defeated Gujarat Giants 166 in 19.2 overs (Danielle Gibson 34, Phoebe Litchfield 31; Hayley Matthews 3-31, Amelia Kerr 2-28) by 47 runs
