This is a classic underdog story. In the upcoming Women’s Premier League 2025 Eliminator, Gujarat Giants face a formidable challenge against Mumbai Indians at the Brabourne Stadium on Thursday. History, statistics, and expectations heavily favor Mumbai.
Mumbai Indians are a consistent powerhouse in the WPL, reaching the knockout stage in all three seasons. They have always finished second in the group stage, behind Delhi Capitals. This is their third consecutive Eliminator appearance. In contrast, this is Gujarat Giants’ first time advancing beyond the group stage.
Mumbai Indians won the inaugural season title, but Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated them last season. This year, they face a Gujarat Giants team that is hitting peak performance at the crucial moment.
Interestingly, all three knockout teams qualified early but then lost their final group stage matches. Gujarat’s loss was against Mumbai at the same venue just days ago. Gujarat will be eager to reverse that result in this rematch and reach their first WPL final against Delhi Capitals, a team they recently defeated.
Gujarat’s opening batting lineup has been inconsistent. They’ve tried various combinations, including pace bowler Kashvee Gautam at the top. Beth Mooney has had multiple opening partners, and they’ve frequently lost early wickets. Despite Mooney’s inconsistent form (231 runs), she, along with Ash Gardner (235) and Harleen Deol (224), have been key contributors with the bat. Deol’s unbeaten 70 against Delhi didn’t earn her a promotion up the order, but in this critical match, Gujarat is expected to stick with a more conventional approach.
Mumbai Indians haven’t experimented as much, but they did move Yastika Bhatia down the order after a slump in form, separating their usual opening pair. Opening with Amelia Kerr hasn’t been successful in the last two games. Their batting heavily relies on Nat Sciver-Brunt (416 runs), the tournament’s top scorer, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (200 runs), although there’s a significant gap between their scores.
Mumbai’s bowling might give them an advantage at Brabourne, where spinners have been more effective. Spinners have taken 17 wickets in the last two games here compared to 8 for pace bowlers. Hayley Matthews and Amelia Kerr, each with 14 wickets, have led Mumbai’s spin attack, especially with Pooja Vastrakar absent this season. For Gujarat, Gautam (10 wickets), Deandra Dottin (9 wickets), and Ash Gardner (8 wickets) are their key bowlers.
Historically, matches between these teams have ranged from one-sided contests to thrilling finishes, like last year’s chase in Delhi where Harmanpreet Kaur remarkably scored 72 runs in the final five overs. Mumbai Indians have won all six previous matches against Gujarat in the WPL. Gujarat will aim to change that record on Thursday.
Match Details:
When: Thursday, March 13, 7:30 PM IST
Where: Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
What to expect: Expect a high-scoring game, based on recent matches at this venue. Captains have preferred to chase, but haven’t been successful lately.
Team News:
Mumbai Indians: Mumbai is likely to field the same team despite their recent loss to RCB.
Probable XI: Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Amanjot Kaur, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Sajeevan Sajana, G Kamalini, Sanskriti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Parunika Sisodia
Gujarat Giants: Gujarat seems to have found their best XI and is expected to remain unchanged, barring injuries.
Probable XI: Beth Mooney (wk), Kashvee Gautam, Harleen Deol, Ashleigh Gardner (C), Phoebe Litchfield, Deandra Dottin, Bharti Fulmali, Simran Shaikh, Tanuja Kanwar, Meghna Singh, Priya Mishra
Did you know?
– Amelia Kerr and Hayley Matthews have taken 47% of the wickets Mumbai has claimed against Gujarat in WPL.
– Harmanpreet Kaur averages 44.6 against Ash Gardner, scoring 223 runs at a strike rate of 163.97.
– Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet are the top run-scorers at this venue, followed by Ash Gardner.
