Harmanpreet Kaur shone with a brilliant half-century, as her outstanding play was supported by a remarkable bowling display, helping the Mumbai Indians secure a narrow nine-run victory over the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League on Monday.
After being put to bat first, Harmanpreet demonstrated her talent by hitting nine boundaries and scoring 54 runs off just 33 balls, guiding Mumbai to a solid total of 179 for 6. The bowling unit stepped up next, led by Shabnim Ismail, who took 2 wickets for just 17 runs, while Amelia Kerr bowled effectively to grab 3 wickets for 34 runs. Despite an explosive 61 runs from Bharti Fulmali off just 25 balls, the Giants fell short, finishing their innings at 170 runs.
With this victory, the Mumbai Indians rose to 10 points, tying with Delhi Capitals, but remained second in the standings due to a lower net run-rate. MI is now aiming for a direct spot in the final, and they will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their last league match on Tuesday.
On the other hand, the Gujarat Giants wrapped up their league stage with 8 points and will need to play in the eliminator match on Thursday against the second-place team. The Mumbai Indians have now maintained their winning streak against the Giants, boasting a perfect 5-0 record against them in the tournament’s brief history.
As they set out to chase 180 runs, the Giants got off to a promising start with Harleen Deol (24) and Phoebe Litchfield (22) contributing runs. However, they struggled to keep the score rolling and found themselves at 70 for 5 in the 11th over. Harleen played some beautiful shots, hitting three consecutive boundaries off Hayley Matthews, who had previously taken the wicket of Beth Mooney (7).
Promoted to open, Kashvee Gautam (10) was dismissed by young Sanskriti Gupta, whose quick stumping by wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia sent the opener back. Shabnim Ismail soon forced a thick edge from Ashleigh Gardner (0), leaving Gujarat reeling at 41 for 3. Amelia Kerr utilized the Decision Review System to get rid of Harleen, trapping her in front.
In the later stages of the chase, Litchfield showcased some innovative shots, but her wicket fell to Ismail, leading to a frustrating conclusion for the Gujarat side. Fulmali injected some hope with her explosive hitting before succumbing to Amelia on the last ball, sealing the game for Mumbai.
Earlier in the innings, besides Harmanpreet’s efforts, Matthews (27), Nat Sciver-Brunt (38), and Amanjot Kaur (27) also made valuable contributions. Matthews helped provide a strong start, hitting a four and a six in the opening over against Deandra Dottin. Although Amelia Kerr was run out for a mere 5, Matthews continued to attack, and Sciver-Brunt joined in with some quick boundaries.
As the innings progressed, Harmanpreet and Sciver-Brunt combined for a significant partnership of 59 runs off 40 balls until Gardner’s catch ended Sciver-Brunt’s run. Kaur then energized the innings with a rapid 27 runs off just 15 balls, contributing to Mumbai’s competitive total before ultimately falling to Gardner.
With this performance, Mumbai Indians remain strong contenders as they eye the finals in the Women’s Premier League.
