WPL 2026: Gujarat Giants qualified for knockout stage as MI fall short in pressure run chase
Gujarat Giants edge Mumbai Indians by 11 runs in a tense WPL 2026 clash at Vadodara, clinching a spot in the Eliminator and second place.
Gujarat Giants finally exorcised their Mumbai Indians demons when it mattered most, edging past the defending champions by 11 runs in a tense Women’s Premier League clash at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Friday. The victory, their first over Mumbai in nine attempts, confirmed Gujarat’s place in the Eliminator and sealed second spot on the league table.
Chasing 168, Mumbai were never quite allowed to settle despite a valiant effort from Harmanpreet Kaur, who once again underlined her reputation as a big-match player. Walking in with her side wobbling at 37 for three, the MI skipper fought a lone battle, compiling an unbeaten 82 off 48 balls. However, with little support from the other end, the task eventually proved too steep.
Earlier in the evening, Gujarat built their innings around a decisive middle-order partnership. After Beth Mooney fell early and Sophie Devine was dismissed just as she looked set, the Giants found themselves needing stability. That came through captain Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham, who stitched together a crucial 71-run stand.
Gujarat finally conquer Mumbai in must-win WPL 2026 clash
Gardner played the aggressor’s role, striking 46 off 28 deliveries to keep the scoreboard moving, while Wareham timed her acceleration to perfection. Her unbeaten 44 off 26 balls ensured Gujarat finished strongly, lifting them to a competitive 167 for four on a surface that offered little margin for error while chasing.
Mumbai’s reply began on a scratchy note, with early wickets putting pressure on the middle order. Amelia Kerr briefly supported Harmanpreet in a 45-run stand, but her dismissal midway through the chase tilted the balance firmly in Gujarat’s favour. Devine and Wareham led the bowling effort with two wickets apiece, while the Giants held their nerve in the closing overs to deny Harmanpreet a miraculous finish.
With Royal Challengers Bengaluru already through to the final, Gujarat’s win leaves Mumbai’s playoff fate dependent on the final league match between Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz. For the Giants, though, Friday night was about more than qualification - it was a long-awaited breakthrough against their toughest rivals.
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