Mumbai Indians (MI-W) stormed into the final of the Women’s Premier League 2025 (WPL 2025) with a resounding 47-run victory over Gujarat Giants (GG-W) in the Eliminator at the iconic Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday, March 13. With this win, Mumbai not only secured their place in the summit clash but also etched their name in the history books by posting the highest-ever total in a WPL knockout match — a mammoth 213/4 in their 20 overs. The electric atmosphere at Brabourne, packed with passionate fans, witnessed a batting masterclass and a dominant all-round display that left Gujarat Giants reeling.
After being asked to bat first, Mumbai faced an early setback when opener Yastika Bhatia (15 off 14) fell prey to Danielle Gibson, chipping one to mid-wicket. But what followed was an extraordinary display of power hitting and precision as Nat Sciver-Brunt walked in to join Hayley Matthews. The duo unleashed an onslaught on Gujarat’s bowlers, stitching together a colossal 133-run partnership off just 71 balls for the second wicket. Matthews, known for her clean hitting, was at her destructive best, hammering 78 runs off 44 balls, peppered with 10 fours and 4 towering sixes. Sciver-Brunt matched her stroke for stroke, amassing 72 runs off 41 balls, showcasing a mix of finesse and brute force. Both batters took full advantage of Gujarat’s sloppy fielding and lackluster bowling, ensuring the run rate never dipped.
As Gujarat finally broke the partnership, dismissing both Matthews and Sciver-Brunt, Mumbai skipper Harmanpreet Kaur took center stage. She came in with fire in her eyes and unleashed a whirlwind knock, smashing 36 runs off a mere 12 balls — a breathtaking innings featuring two elegant boundaries and four massive sixes that soared into the night sky. Kaur’s late fireworks propelled Mumbai past the 200-run mark, leaving Gujarat with a daunting chase.
In response, Gujarat’s innings started on a disastrous note as their in-form captain and opener Beth Mooney perished early, scoring just 6 runs off 5 balls, undone by a brilliant delivery from Shabnim Ismail in the very first over. Danielle Gibson, determined to fight back, found some rhythm, striking a few boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, Mumbai’s bowlers tightened their grip, and Gujarat’s innings unraveled. Harleen Deol (8 off 9) was run out following a brilliant piece of fielding, while skipper Ashleigh Gardner (8 off 4) had her stumps rattled by a fired-up Hayley Matthews. Gujarat stumbled to 43/3 within the powerplay, and their hopes of a miraculous chase began to fade.
Gibson, fighting a lone battle, looked promising with her brisk 34 off 24 balls, but her unfortunate run-out further dented Gujarat’s chances. Lower down the order, Phoebe Litchfield (31 off 20) and Bharati Fulmali (30 off 20) put up a valiant effort, offering some resistance with quick cameos, but the mounting required run rate proved too much. Mumbai’s bowling attack, led by Matthews, Ismail, and Amelia Kerr, maintained relentless pressure, mixing pace and variations cleverly to keep Gujarat’s batters on the back foot. Gujarat ultimately finished at 166/9, falling short by a massive 47 runs.
This victory marked Mumbai Indians’ seventh consecutive triumph over Gujarat Giants — a streak that highlights their dominance over the franchise in WPL history. With this win, MI-W march into the final, where they will lock horns with Delhi Capitals on Saturday, March 15, in a highly anticipated showdown. The final promises to be a blockbuster affair, rekindling the rivalry from the inaugural WPL 2023 final, where Mumbai emerged victorious. Delhi, having fallen short twice in previous seasons, will be eager to break their runner-up streak, but Mumbai’s red-hot form and unwavering momentum make them the team to beat.
With Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, the explosive batting lineup, and a well-rounded bowling attack, Mumbai Indians will enter the final brimming with confidence, while Delhi Capitals will look to rise to the occasion and script a fairytale finish. The stage is set for an epic clash, one that could define the legacy of the Women’s Premier League.
