Mumbai Indians (MI) celebrated their first win of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 with a dominant 5-wicket victory over Gujarat Giants (GT) in Vadodara. After electing to bowl first, MI’s bowlers kept Gujarat’s batting in check, restricting them to a modest total of 120 runs in 20 overs. In their chase of 121, MI demonstrated a controlled and efficient approach, comfortably chasing down the target with 23 balls to spare. This victory not only marked MI’s first win of the season but also extended their winning streak to 5-0 against Gujarat in the history of the WPL, asserting their dominance in the competition.
Hayley Matthews shines with bat and ball
Hayley Matthews was undoubtedly the player of the match, showcasing her exceptional all-round capabilities. Opening the innings, Matthews contributed a steady 17 runs off 19 balls, anchoring the MI chase during the early phase of their pursuit. However, it was her bowling performance that truly turned the game in MI’s favour. With a brilliant spell of 3 wickets for 16 runs, Matthews tore through Gujarat’s middle order, breaking partnerships and applying pressure. Her skillful variations in pace and smart field placements kept the Gujarat batters at bay, and her key dismissals played a pivotal role in keeping the total within MI’s reach. Matthews’ all-round brilliance was the cornerstone of MI’s success, and she rightly earned the Player of the Match accolade for her outstanding contribution.
Gujarat Giants struggle to build partnerships
Gujarat faced an uphill battle after they were put in to bat first. The MI bowlers, led by the explosive Matthews, kept the pressure on Gujarat from the very start. Beth Mooney, the Gujarat opener, was dismissed early for just 1, and the wickets continued to fall in quick succession. Laura Wolvaardt and Dayalan Hemalatha couldn’t find their rhythm, and the middle-order too struggled to get going. Ashleigh Gardner and Deandra Dottin made brief cameos but could not accelerate the innings enough to post a challenging total. The biggest knock came from Harleen Deol, who fought hard for 32 off 31 balls, but it wasn’t enough to lift Gujarat past the 120 mark. In the end, Gujarat were dismissed for 120, and the lack of substantial partnerships, combined with MI’s disciplined bowling, proved to be their undoing. Despite a late burst of runs from Sayali Satghare (13 not out), the Gujarat total remained well below par.
Also WATCH: Amelia Kerr pulls off an outstanding catch to dismiss Dayalan Hemalatha
Mumbai Indians chase down target with ease
In response to Gujarat’s modest total, MI approached their chase with confidence and composure. The chase began steadily, with the opening pair of Matthews and Yastika Bhatia rotating the strike and playing sensible cricket. However, Bhatia fell early, leaving MI at 22/1. Nat Sciver-Brunt then took control of the chase, playing an innings of maturity and finesse, scoring 57 runs off 39 balls. She was aggressive when required and defended well, ensuring MI’s progress toward the target.
Alongside her, Amelia Kerr provided support with a crucial 19 runs, before falling to a wicket from Gujarat’s Kashvee Gautam. Despite a few wickets falling, MI’s chase was never under threat, as the experienced Harmanpreet Kaur’s side had enough depth to finish the game. The final touch was added by Sajeevan Sajana (10 not out) and G Kamalini (4 not out), whose partnership saw MI comfortably reach 122/5 in 16.1 overs, securing their victory with 23 balls to spare. The smooth chase by MI showcased their solid team balance and depth, and their clinical performance with the bat ensured a seamless victory, making it one of the most convincing wins in the competition so far
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
First win for Mumbai Indians in this WPL. Thanks to queen Nat Sciver-Brunt. pic.twitter.com/FY91cDpJ9c
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) February 18, 2025
Mumbai Indians defeated Gujarat Giants by 5 wickets 🏏#women #cricket #WPL2025 #GGvMI pic.twitter.com/yJHNS9nqNm
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 18, 2025
Never lost against Gujarat Giants Womens in WPL history it’s 5-0 now
doMIWnation 🙌#TATAWPL #WPL2025 pic.twitter.com/WxomGtzXla
— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) February 18, 2025
Mumbai Indians Women With The 1st Win Of The #WPL2025 Season. Nat Sciver-Brunt Was Fantastic As Always. Onto The Next One. #MIWvsGGW #WellPlayed
— Gaurang Mestry (@Gaurang321) February 18, 2025
𝐍o. 𝐒topping. 𝐁rilliance 🫡
Consecutive fifties for the ever dependent Nat Sciver-Brunt 👏👏
Updates ▶ https://t.co/aczhtPyoET#TATAWPL | #GGvMI | @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/BOGpTwRzGS
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 18, 2025
Nat sciver brunt is truly one of the best all-rounders in women’s cricket !#MIvsGG pic.twitter.com/7fk8rfGKI6
— विशाल (@VishalShinde_) February 18, 2025
A goddess in action. Again.
80 runs and a wicket in the last match.
57 runs and two wickets today.She is Nat Sciver Brunt. She is my everything.
Adding her to my profile was the best decision I ever made. pic.twitter.com/QqjlvjVCDY
— GUY (@whattaaguyy) February 18, 2025
There are only a few more things better than seeing amelia kerr and Nat sciver brunt batting together 😻🤍💫
— Stranger Buddy 🦋 (@Buddystrange23) February 18, 2025
Jinklooo! 🥳#AaliRe #MumbaiIndians #TATAWPL #GGvMI pic.twitter.com/aFgjXG26S3
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 18, 2025
Not the end we’d wished for at home but we’ll come back stronger! 💪🏻#GGvMI #TATAWPL2025 #GujaratGiants #BringItOn #Adani pic.twitter.com/L8UClngPTZ
— Gujarat Giants (@Giant_Cricket) February 18, 2025
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
