Mumbai Indians registered their first victory of the WPL 2025 season with a commanding five-wicket win over Gujarat Giants in Vadodara on Tuesday (February 18). A collective bowling effort dismantled the Giants’ batting lineup, reducing them to 28/4 inside the PowerPlay. Despite a resilient 32-run knock from Harleen Deol, Gujarat struggled due to poor shot selection and were eventually bowled out for 120. Nat Sciver-Brunt starred in Mumbai’s chase, scoring a composed half-century to guide her side home with 3.5 overs to spare.

Mumbai’s Bowlers Set the Tone Early

On a fresh surface, Mumbai Indians opted to field first, and Nat Sciver-Brunt made an immediate impact by dismissing Beth Mooney on just the second ball of the match. The collapse continued as Shabnim Ismail sent Laura Wolvaardt back, and Ashleigh Gardner fell victim to Sciver-Brunt’s deceptive off-cutter. Hayley Matthews joined the party, removing D Hemalatha with a well-judged running catch by Amelia Kerr.

The trend of reckless shot-making continued post-PowerPlay. Deandra Dottin’s charge against Kerr ended in a stumping for just seven runs, while Kashvee Gautam contributed a brisk 20 off 15 balls before edging one to the keeper off Matthews. Simran Shaikh was given a lifeline but eventually holed out to Kerr in an almost identical dismissal. Harleen Deol, promoted to No. 5, steadied the innings with a 31-run knock, while Sayali Satghare and Tanuja Kanwer chipped in with 13 each to push the total past 100. However, Gujarat’s inability to rotate strike hurt them, as they played out 60 dot balls in their innings.

Sciver-Brunt Anchors Mumbai’s Chase

Mumbai’s chase saw early setbacks, but Sciver-Brunt anchored the innings to ensure a smooth finish. Kanwer began her spell with a tidy over but then bowled a few loose deliveries, which Matthews capitalized on. However, Kanwer struck back, dismissing Matthews for the third time in WPL history. Sciver-Brunt kept the scoreboard ticking, while Priya Mishra accounted for Yastika Bhatia, who miscued a shot to long-on.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s brief stay ended quickly, but Kerr provided stability alongside Sciver-Brunt in a crucial 45-run stand. Kerr started cautiously before taking on Mishra with a six and a four in a costly 12-run over. Sciver-Brunt raced to a 33-ball half-century, taking Mumbai closer to victory. Though Kashvee Gautam trapped Kerr LBW, and Mishra later removed Sciver-Brunt, the leg-spinner conceded three boundaries in the same over, allowing Mumbai to seal the win comfortably.

Match Summary

Gujarat Giants: 120 all out in 20 overs (Harleen Deol 32, Kashvee Gautam 20; Hayley Matthews 3-16, Amelia Kerr 2-22, Nat Sciver-Brunt 2-26)
Mumbai Indians: 122/5 in 16.1 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 57; Kashvee Gautam 2-15, Priya Mishra 2-40)
Result: Mumbai Indians won by 5 wickets.