Harmanpreet Kaur’s calm leadership in pressure situations could be key for Mumbai Indians as they face Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League Eliminator on Thursday. Mumbai Indians have already defeated Gujarat Giants twice this season, giving them a psychological edge. Delhi Capitals have already secured their place in the final by topping the league table.
Mumbai Indians will have the advantage of playing at their home ground, Brabourne Stadium. They recently defeated Gujarat Giants here, with Harmanpreet Kaur scoring a rapid 54 runs in that victory.
Mumbai Indians have maintained a consistent playing XI, with Hayley Matthews providing strong starts and effective off-spin bowling. Matthews has been particularly successful against Gujarat Giants in their previous encounters.
In their previous match in Vododara, Matthews took 3 wickets for 16 runs against Gujarat Giants and repeated her performance in the return match at Brabourne, taking another three wickets.
Nat Sciver-Brunt has been a prolific scorer for Mumbai Indians, leading the run charts this season with 416 runs, including four half-centuries. Gujarat Giants’ bowlers will need to contain Sciver-Brunt to limit Mumbai’s scoring.
Sciver-Brunt’s bowling is also a threat, and along with Matthews, she has been crucial to Mumbai Indians’ success this season.
Although Harmanpreet Kaur’s form has been inconsistent, her recent half-century against Gujarat Giants should boost her confidence for the Eliminator.
Gujarat Giants, captained by Ashleigh Gardner, face a tough challenge in defeating the former champions in their home conditions.
Gardner’s form has been inconsistent this season, despite being among the top scorers with 235 runs. She was dismissed for a duck against Mumbai Indians in their last match, contributing to their loss and missing the chance to qualify directly for the final.
Gujarat Giants will rely on Harleen Deol’s batting performance and hope for a strong opening partnership from Beth Mooney. Mooney has shown her potential with an unbeaten 96 against UP Warriorz earlier in the tournament. A solid opening partnership could be crucial for Gujarat Giants’ chances on Thursday.
Teams (From):
Mumbai Indians: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Yastika Bhatia (wk), Nadine de Klerk, Sanskriti Gupta, Saika Ishaque, Shabnim Ismail, Jintimani Kalita, G Kamalini, Amandeep Kaur, Amanjot Kaur, S. Keerthana, Amelia Kerr, Akshita Maheshwari, Hayley Matthews, Sajeevan Sajana, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Parunika Sisodia, Chloe Tryon.
Gujarat Giants: Ashleigh Gardner (c), Harleen Deol, Deandra Dottin, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Danielle Gibson, Dayalan Hemalatha, Tanuja Kanwar, Mannat Kashyap, Phoebe Litchfield, Meghna Singh, Beth Mooney, Prakashika Naik, Priya Mishra, Sayali Satghare, Shabnam Shakil, Simran Shaikh, Laura Wolvaardt.
