MI Survive Fulmali Scare to Edge Closer to WPL 2025 Final
Mumbai Indians (MI) maintained their undefeated record against Gujarat Giants (GG) in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 with a thrilling nine-run victory in their penultimate league match. The match, held at the Brabourne Stadium, witnessed some intense cricket action as MI's captain Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a brilliant half-century.
Harmanpreet's Heroics and Sciver-Brunt's Support
Batting first, MI posted a competitive total of 179 for 6 in their 20 overs. Harmanpreet Kaur once again showcased her remarkable form by scoring her third half-century in four matches at this venue. Alongside her, Nat Sciver-Brunt played a crucial supporting role with a fine knock of 38 runs. Amanjot Kaur also chipped in, helping MI put up a strong total.
Gujarat Giants' bowlers tried to control the damage with Tanuja Kanwar (1-23) and Ashleigh Gardner (1-27) getting a couple of breakthroughs. However, MI managed to build solid partnerships that propelled them to a defendable total.
Bharti Fulmali's Fightback
Chasing 180 to win, Gujarat Giants faced early setbacks as MI's bowlers dominated the powerplay. However, Bharti Fulmali turned the game around with her sensational knock of 61 runs off just 22 balls. Her quick-fire fifty kept GG's hopes alive and gave MI a major scare.
But MI's bowlers held their nerve in the death overs. Amelia Kerr (3-34) and Shabnim Ismail (3-38) were the standout performers, taking key wickets that restricted GG to 170 for 9 in 20 overs, falling short by just nine runs.
MI Maintain Winning Streak
With this win, Mumbai Indians have now won all six matches against Gujarat Giants in WPL history. This victory also took MI to 10 points in the table, tying with Delhi Capitals. However, MI's net run rate of 0.298 is slightly behind DC's 0.396, making their final league match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) crucial for a direct entry into the final.
A win against RCB would confirm MI's place in the WPL 2025 final. Otherwise, they might have to play the eliminator against GG, who have already secured a spot in the playoffs.
What's Next?
Mumbai Indians will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their final league match on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. A win will guarantee their direct entry into the WPL 2025 Final, while a loss could see them playing the eliminator.
Gujarat Giants, despite the loss, have another opportunity to fight for the final by playing in the eliminator match.
The WPL 2025 is heading towards an exciting conclusion, and fans can't wait to see if MI can continue their dominance or if GG can turn things around in the eliminator.
Reference from:-https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/wpl-2024-25-1463356/gujarat-giants-women-vs-mumbai-indians-women-19th-match-1469316/match-report