The Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W) and Gujarat Giants Women (GG-W) faced off in the Eliminator at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, March 13, marking the conclusion of the Women’s Premier League 2025. The team led by Harmanpreet Kaur went to bat after GG-W captain Ashleigh Gardner won the toss.
Yastika Bhatia’s season remained mediocre as she was dismissed for 15 off 14 balls and was unable to score many runs. Gardner would have questioned her choice to bowl first, though, after what transpired. In just 71 balls, Nat Sciver-Brunt (77 off 41) and Hayley Matthews (77 off 50) put together an incredible 133-run partnership. During their innings, the Mumbai Indians managed to score a massive total of 213/4 in the 20 overs that they were given.
The pursuit by the Gujarat Giants did not start out as planned. With 46 runs scored, they lost three wickets during the powerplay. The innings was rebuilt by overseas players Phoebe Litchfield (31 off 20) and Danielle Gibson (34 off 24). Despite her best efforts, Bharti Fulmali (30 off 20) was unable to maintain the necessary rate till the very end. The chase by GG-W continued to stall, and they finished their innings at 166 from 19.2 overs. MI-W finished with a decisive victory of 47 runs.
Talking Points
1. Was Gardner’s decision to bowl first a right one?
The Australian, in a crucial match, decided to chase when conventional thinking suggests batting first. The pitch did not seem to have demons for the first half. It looked like a good batting wicket. Perhaps, Gardner expected the dew to appear in the second innings to make life easier for her batters. All in all, Sciver-Brunt and Matthews proved Gardner’s decision wrong with their onslaught and so begs the question – was Gardner right in electing to bowl first?
2. All-round performance from Matthews
The whirlwind partnership between Sciver-Brunt and Matthews took the game away from GG-W in the first innings. Matthews struck 10 fours and three sixes in her destructive innings. Moreover, she was not finished as she then came to the party again, this time with the ball to scalp three wickets for 31 runs in 3.2 overs. A performance to remember from the West Indian veteran.
3. Danielle Gibson shines on WPL debut
The 23-year-old English cricketer replaced Deandra Dottin who was ruled out due to an injury right before the toss. It were big shoes to fill for the right-hander and she tried her best. With the ball, she picked up Bhatia and Sciver-Brunt’s wickets and was GG-W’s best bowler with figures of 2/40 off four overs. With the bat, she was the highest scorer for her team, scoring 34 runs with the help of five fours and one six while opening the batting.
Who Said What?
Ashleigh Gardner, Gujarat Giants Women and losing skipper said
Unfortunately it wasn’t to be today. But this group’s got a lot to be proud of. So many positive stories to come out of this tournament. Different people have stood up at different times. Absolute pleasure to be able to lead this team. Wasn’t to be today, but going forward there are a few shining lights in this group. I just said let’s not get overawed by the experience. Let’s just embrace the nerves which everyone had no doubt.
There was a lot of excitement coming into this game. We didn’t do all three facets well enough. We missed opportunities. Obviously not ideal losing someone who has been a crucial part of the team right through the tournament. But we knew we had Gibbo on the sidelines who’s a like-for-like replacement. I hope D Dott’s okay. Haven’t heard much, but I think she hurt her knee. Hopefully we’re treading in the right direction.
Harmanpreet Kaur, Mumbai Indians Women and winning skipper said
Great team effort. Really feeling happy today. I will be very honest, before the game I wanted to bat first. Whatever score is on the board, this ground we can chase it. Whatever happened happened for the good. Hayley and Nat played well and happy that I was there and executed well. (on Matthews and Sciver-Brunt) They are great players and they know how to play these kind of games, we don’t need to tell them. Really happy with the way they took the responsibility and batted for the team.
In bowling-wise we did really well today and we had so many meetings about this and all the bowlers executed well. Next game is important and we need to sit and think on what needs to be done. They are kind people and they do listen.
Hayley Matthews, Player of the Match said
It was a really good game and as a batter, you got really good value for your shots. Good to work with Nat and we went hand in hand. With the ball I had my plans. It was one of those wickets where you could put the ball away. Tried to choose my areas against different bowlers and manipulate the field. Tried to control one side of the field really well and vary my pace which is what I’m working on.
Last time against GG, we were in the step-hit zone too often and they hit us. Just come back and do our homework against DC, they are a different side and they have got the better of us in the last two games. So do our homework, come out on the park and execute them.
India
