Gardner and Wareham shine as Gujarat secures maiden victory over Mumbai
Vadodara:Gujarat Giants (GG) scripted history in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 by defeating Mumbai Indians (MI) for the first time in nine attempts. This 11-run victory at Vadodara not only broke a long-standing jinx but also secured Gujarat’s spot in the Eliminator. While Mumbai’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a sensational unbeaten knock of 82, it wasn't enough to stop the Giants from marching into the playoffs.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Gujarat Giants faced early hiccups after losing skipper Beth Mooney. However, the momentum shifted drastically in the death overs. Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham turned the game on its head with a blistering 71-run partnership. Gardner smashed 46 off 28 balls, while Wareham remained unbeaten on 44. Their aggressive approach saw GG accumulate 61 runs in the final five overs, posting a competitive total of 167/4.
In response, Mumbai Indians struggled early on, losing three wickets for just 36 runs. Sophie Devine and Kashvee Gautam dismantled the top order, putting MI under immense pressure. Despite the collapse, Harmanpreet Kaur kept the chase alive. She targeted the shorter boundaries and punished the spinners, nearly repeating her famous 2024 miracle chase.
The equation came down to 58 runs from the final four overs. Harmanpreet took the attack to the bowlers, hitting three sixes and three fours in a late surge. With 14 needed off the last three balls, the tension was palpable. However, Ashleigh Gardner remained composed in the final over, restricting the scoring and sealing the 11-run win.
While the Gujarat Giants celebrate their second consecutive Eliminator qualification, Mumbai Indians must now rely on other results. To stay in the tournament, they need UP Warriorz to defeat Delhi Capitals on Sunday. For now, the night belongs to the Giants, who finally proved they can beat the two-time champions when it matters most.
Image Source: BCCI
