Harmanpreet’s 71 powers Mumbai Indians to seven-wicket win over Gujarat Giants in WPL

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur produced a captain’s knock, smashing an unbeaten 71 off 43 balls, as Mumbai Indians chased down a stiff target to beat Gujarat Giants by seven wickets in a high-scoring Women’s Premier League match at the DY Patil Stadium on Tuesday.

Put in to bat, Gujarat Giants posted a formidable 192 for five, riding on a late surge from Georgia Wareham and Bharti Fulmali. Wareham held the innings together at the death with an unbeaten 43 off 33 deliveries, striking four boundaries and a six, while Fulmali provided the final flourish with a blistering 36 off just 15 balls, laced with three sixes and three fours. Their finishing burst ensured Gujarat crossed the 190-mark after being kept in check for phases.

Mumbai’s reply was controlled yet aggressive, as the champions of the chase held their nerve in a demanding pursuit. Harmanpreet anchored the innings with authority, rotating strike efficiently and punishing loose deliveries to keep the required rate under control. Her unbeaten 71 not only steadied the chase but also ensured Mumbai never drifted away from the target.

Mumbai did lose early wickets, with openers Hayley Matthews (22 off 12 balls) and Gunalan Kamalini (13 off 12) departing inside the first five overs with the score at 37. However, Amanjot Kaur counter-attacked with a valuable 40 off 26 balls, shifting momentum back towards Mumbai and easing the pressure on the middle order.

Nicola Carey then played a key finishing role, remaining unbeaten on 38 off 23 balls, as Mumbai completed the chase at 193 for three in 19.2 overs to register a crucial win in the early stages of the tournament.

The result halted Gujarat’s momentum after their impressive opening run, while Mumbai’s successful chase underlined their depth and batting power — particularly in pressure situations, where Harmanpreet’s experience proved decisive.

Brief scores:

Gujarat Giants 192/5 in 20 overs (Georgia Wareham 43*, Bharti Fulmali 36).

Mumbai Indians 193/3 in 19.2 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 71, Amanjot Kaur 40, Nicola Carey 38).