Hayley Matthews’ all-round performance and Nat Sciver-Brunt’s explosive half-century led Mumbai Indians (MI) to a 47-run victory over Gujarat Giants (GG), securing MI’s place in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) final against Delhi Capitals at Brabourne Stadium on Thursday. The final will be played on March 15.
Chasing a massive target of 214, Gujarat struggled early as Shabnim Ismail dismissed Beth Mooney for just 6 in the first over. Danielle Gibson and Harleen Deol attempted a recovery, but Deol was run out, and Ash Gardner was bowled by Matthews, leaving GG at 43/3 in 5.4 overs.
Gibson (34 off 24 balls, with five fours and a six) and Phoebe Litchfield (31 off 20, with four boundaries and a six) tried to steady the innings, adding a 38-run partnership. However, crucial wickets, including a run-out of Gibson and stumping of Litchfield, reduced GG to 112/6 by the 13th over. Despite some late resistance from Simran Shaikh (17) and Tanuja Kanwar, GG were bowled out for 166 in 19.2 overs. Matthews (3/31) and Amelia Kerr (2/28) were the standout bowlers for MI.
Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to field, Gujarat Giants dismissed Yastika Bhatia (15) early. However, Matthews and Sciver-Brunt dominated the innings, taking MI to 89/1 at the halfway mark. Matthews smashed 77 off 50 balls (10 fours, 3 sixes), while Sciver-Brunt hit an equally aggressive 77 off 41 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes). The duo added a 133-run stand that set the stage for a strong finish.
Harmanpreet Kaur added late fireworks, scoring 36 off just 12 balls with two fours and four sixes before being run out on the last ball of the innings. MI posted an imposing total of 213/4 in 20 overs. Gibson was the pick of the bowlers for Gujarat, with 2/40 from her four overs.
(With ANI inputs)
