WPL 2025: Bharti Fulmali’s heroics in vain as Mumbai Indians pip Gujarat Giants in a thriller

In a high-voltage clash at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, Mumbai Indians emerged victorious in a nail-biting 9-run win over Gujarat Giants Women in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. The match witnessed breathtaking performances, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading from the front with a 54-run knock, while Bharti Fulmali’s heroic 61 off 25 balls nearly pulled off an incredible chase for Gujarat. However, Amelia Kerr’s bowling brilliance (3/34) and Shabnim Ismail’s economical spell (2/17) helped Mumbai defend their total of 179/6, securing a crucial win in the tournament.

Harmanpreet Kaur anchors MI’s innings with a captain’s knock

Opting to bat first, Mumbai Indians got off to a cautious start, with Hayley Matthews (27 off 22, 3 fours, 2 sixes) providing early momentum. However, Gujarat struck early, dismissing Kerr (5 off 9) in the third over.

Nat Sciver-Brunt (38 off 31, 6 fours) built a solid partnership with Matthews, steadying the innings before both batters fell in quick succession. With MI at 105/3 in 13.4 overs, skipper Harmanpreet took charge, crafting a masterclass innings of 54 off 33 balls, hitting nine boundaries to accelerate the scoring rate.

In the death overs, Amanjot Kaur’s explosive cameo of 27 off 15 balls provided the final flourish, while Yastika Bhatia’s quickfire 13 off just 4 balls (1 four, 1 six) helped Mumbai finish at a formidable 179/6 in 20 overs. For Gujarat, Ashleigh Gardner (1/27) and Kashvee Gautam (1/32) were the standout bowlers, but Deandra Dottin (0/44 in 4 overs) had an off day, leaking crucial runs.

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Bharti Fulmali’s heroics not enough as MI bowlers hold their nerve

Chasing 180, Gujarat Giants got off to a shaky start, losing Beth Mooney (7 off 9) early to Matthews. The wickets continued to tumble as Harleen Deol (24 off 17, 5 fours) and Phoebe Litchfield (22 off 16, 4 fours) tried to revive the innings, but MI’s bowlers struck at regular intervals.

At 92/6 in 13.1 overs, the chase seemed all but over for Gujarat. However, Fulmali turned the game on its head with a sensational counterattack, smashing 61 off just 25 balls, including eight fours and four sixes. She was well supported by Simran Shaikh (18 off 16), with the duo adding 50 runs in just 22 balls, putting Gujarat within touching distance of an improbable win.

With just 10 runs needed off the final over, Mumbai needed a special effort, and they found it in Matthews, who bowled brilliantly to restrict Gujarat to 170/9 in 20 overs, sealing MI’s thrilling victory. The win strengthens Mumbai’s position in the WPL 2025 points table, while Gujarat will rue missed opportunities, especially with Fulmali’s innings going in vain despite a valiant fightback.

Mumbai Indians Hold Their Nerve for a Thrilling 9-Run Victory! 🔥🏏#Cricket #WPL #WPL2025 pic.twitter.com/K2uQKAxwks

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) March 10, 2025