WPL 2025: Mumbai Indians closing in on top spot with 9-run win over Gujarat Giants

Harmanpreet Kaur’s fluent half-century was backed by an exceptional bowling performance as Mumbai Indians beat Gujarat Giants by nine runs to strengthen their chances of finishing on top in the Women’s Premier League here on Monday.

Sent in to bat, Harmanpreet showcased her class as she slammed nine boundaries to score 54 off 33 balls and anchor MI to a competitive total of 179/6.The bowlers then took over, with superb performances from Shabnim Ismail (2/17) and Amelia Kerr (3/34) as MI bowled Gujarat Giants out for 170 in 20 overs, despite a whirlwind 25-ball 61 by Bharti Fulmali.

With this win, Mumbai joined Delhi Capitals at 10 points but stayed at second position due to a lower net run-rate. MI will aim to seal their direct qualification to the final by finishing at the top when they face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final league match on Tuesday.

Gujarat Giants, who ended their league stage with



eight points, will have to play the eliminator on Thursday against the second-place team in the standings. MI, boasting a 5-0 record against GG in the tournament's brief history, thus maintained their dominance over the Gujarat side, who had entered the match on the back of three consecutive wins.

Chasing 180, Harleen Deol (24) and Phoebe Litchfield (22) started well but Gujarat lost wickets at regular intervals, leaving them at 70/5 in the 11th over.

Harleen played some elegant shots, carting three consecutive fours off Hayley Matthews, who had earlier dismissed Beth Mooney (7).

Kashvee Gautam (10), promoted to open the innings, was sent back by young Sanskriti Gupta, with wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia executing a lightning-fast stumping. Shabnim Ismail then induced a thick edge from Ashleigh Gardner (0), as Gujarat slipped to 41/3. Amelia Kerr used the DRS to dismiss the in-form Harleen after trapping her in front of the stumps.