In a historic night at the Kotambi Stadium, the Gujarat Giants finally shattered their record against Mumbai. After eight consecutive losses to the two-time champions, the Giants secured a 11-run victory over Mumbai Indians, officially sealing second place in the standings and a spot in the Eliminator on February 3.
Gujarat Giants head coach Michael Klinger made a bold call at the toss, electing to bat first; the first time any captain has done so in 41 WPL matches. The decision was based on the pitch being used for the fourth time and the Giants' strength in defending totals.
After a slow start, the Australian duo of Ashleigh Gardner (46 off 28) and Georgia Wareham (44* off 26) flicked the switch.
The pair plundered 61 runs in the final five overs, including a 19-run 16th over against Hayley Matthews, to take GG to a robust 167 for four.
Klinger noted that the total was "slightly above par" on a slowing surface.
Mumbai Indians’ chase was derailed early by Sophie Devine, who struck twice in the powerplay to remove the dangerous opening pair. Reduced to 37 for three, the burden fell entirely on Harmanpreet Kaur.
Harman is a fantastic player. I was nervous right until the end. Even when they needed 13 off two, you can still have a Super Over at that point
Michael Klinger, GG Head Coach
With MI needing 26 off the final over, Harmanpreet launched a sensational assault, bringing the equation down to 14 needed off 3 balls. However, Gardner maintained her composure, using the slow wicket to deny the skipper a miraculous comeback. Harmanpreet finished with the Orange Cap, but her team remains in a precarious position.
MI coach Lisa Keightley pointed to a season plagued by "moving parts." A quad injury to Hayley Matthews before the season and a finger injury to G Kamalini forced MI to cycle through four different opening pairs in eight matches.
Brittle order: The lack of stability at the top left a non-existent lower-middle order, forcing the top four to overcompensate.
NRR watch: MI’s fate now hinges on the final league fixture. They need UP Warriorz to defeat Delhi Capitals on Sunday to have any chance of sneaking into the playoffs.
