Mumbai Indians Dominate Gujarat Giants in WPL 2025 Clash

Mumbai Indians defeated Gujarat Giants by five wickets in their second match of WPL 2025. The match took place after Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to bowl. Mumbai’s strong record against the Giants and the trend of teams winning while chasing this season favored Mumbai Indians.

Hayley Matthews led the bowling attack with three wickets, supported by Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amelia Kerr, who each took two wickets, restricting Giants to 120. Sciver-Brunt then scored a half-century to guide Mumbai’s chase, finishing with 57 off 39 balls. Mumbai reached the target with 23 balls remaining, securing their first win of WPL 2025 and extending their lead over Giants to 5-0. Gujarat Giants remain the only team in the tournament without a win against a specific opponent.

Giants’ Powerplay Struggles

Mumbai Indians capitalized early, with Sciver-Brunt dismissing Beth Mooney. Shabnim Ismail removed Laura Woolvardt, and Matthews dismissed D Hemalatha, reducing Giants to 16 for 3. Ashleigh Gardner started well but was dismissed by Sciver-Brunt. Giants finished the powerplay at 28 for 4, their lowest powerplay score in the WPL 2025. They faced numerous dot balls, with 26 of the 36 balls being dots, the joint-most in WPL history.

Deol’s Fight and Other Performances

Giants’ batters continued to aim for their shots. Deandra Dottin’s innings was cut short by Kerr, while Kashvee Gautam’s cameo was ended by Matthews. Harleen Deol scored 32 off 31 balls. Sayali Satghare and Priya Mishra ensured Giants completed their 20 overs, finishing at 120. Matthews was economical, conceding only 16 runs in her four overs and bowling 16 dot balls. Sciver-Brunt also bowled 16 dot balls, while Ismail bowled 19 dot balls.

Sciver-Brunt’s Innings

Sciver-Brunt’s form was questioned before the tournament, but she has since proved her doubters wrong. Mumbai’s chase of 121 was comfortable. Matthews started well but was dismissed by Tanuja Kanwar. Sciver-Brunt then took charge, scoring a fifty and adding a 45-run stand with Kerr. G Kamalini hit a four on debut, and Sajana finished the game with a shot over mid-off.

Klinger’s Post-Match Analysis

Gujarat Giants’ head coach, Michael Klinger, attributed the loss to tactical errors by the batters. He defended the aggressive mindset but noted the team’s early collapse in the powerplay. Klinger praised the bowlers for keeping the team in the game. He suggested improvements in tactical strategy.

Giants now head to Bengaluru for the next leg of the tournament. Klinger remains optimistic about his team’s chances. He praised Kashvee Gautam’s performance, highlighting her potential.

Mumbai’s Perspective

Mumbai Indians secured their first win of the season. Nat Sciver-Brunt’s half-century ensured the side didn’t panic during the run-chase. Hayley Matthews emphasized the team’s determination after a close loss in their opening match against Delhi Capitals.

Matthews acknowledged the quality of players in the team and their ability to beat any opponent. She was happy that team executed their plans effectively.