Harmanpreet’s Lone War Not Enough as Gujarat Giants Topple Mumbai Indians to Seal Playoff Berth

Vadodara, Jan 30, 2026: Harmanpreet’s Lone War Not Enough as Gujarat Giants Topple Mumbai Indians to Seal Playoff Berth. In a high-octane encounter at the BCA Stadium, the Gujarat Giants (GG) displayed nerves of steel to defeat the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), by 11 runs. Despite a legendary unbeaten 82 from Mumbai skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, the Giants’ collective bowling effort and a late batting surge from Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham proved to be the difference.

With this victory, the Gujarat Giants have officially secured their place in the WPL 2026 Eliminator, becoming the second team to qualify after Royal Challengers Bengaluru. For Mumbai Indians, the road to the playoffs now hinges on other results, leaving their title defense hanging by a thread.

Match Summary: At a Glance

• Toss: Gujarat Giants won the toss and elected to bat first.

• GG Score: 167/4 (20 Overs)

• MI Score: 156/7 (20 Overs)

• Result: Gujarat Giants won by 11 runs.

• Player of the Match: Ashleigh Gardner (46 runs & 1/26)

• Key Highlight: Harmanpreet Kaur’s 82* off 48 balls (8 fours, 4 sixes).

Inning 1: The Aussie Connection Powers Gujarat

Choosing to bat first on a Vadodara track that offered some assistance to the spinners, Gujarat Giants had a shaky start. Beth Mooney, the linchpin of their batting, fell early for just 5, caught by Sajeevan Sajana off the pace of Shabnim Ismail.

However, the middle order showed immense resilience. Sophie Devine (25) and Anushka Sharma (33) stabilized the ship with a steady 48-run partnership. The real fireworks began when captain Ashleigh Gardner joined Georgia Wareham. The Australian duo dismantled the Mumbai bowling attack in the death overs, plundering 61 runs in the final five overs.

Gardner’s 46 was a masterclass in power hitting, while Wareham’s unbeaten 44 provided the late-inning impetus GG desperately needed to reach a competitive total of 167.

Inning 2: Harmanpreet Kaur vs The Giants

Mumbai’s chase was derailed almost immediately. The GG bowling unit, led by Sophie Devine, removed the dangerous Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt within the powerplay. At 37/3, Mumbai looked down and out.

But then came the “Harman-show.” The Indian captain played one of the finest innings in WPL history. She took the game deep, smashing the ball to all parts of the ground. With 26 needed off the final over, she struck two massive sixes to bring the equation down to 14 from 3 balls. However, a mistimed shot and a single off the fourth ball left Poonam Khemnar on strike, who was eventually dismissed by Gardner, ending Mumbai’s hopes.

Detailed Scorecard: Gujarat Giants (GG)

Batting Performance

Bowling Performance (Mumbai Indians)

Detailed Scorecard: Mumbai Indians (MI)

Batting Performance

Bowling Performance (Gujarat Giants)

The Road Ahead: Playoffs Scenarios

The victory has catapulted Gujarat Giants to second place on the points table with 10 points. They are now confirmed for the Eliminator match.

Mumbai Indians, however, find themselves in a precarious position. With only 6 points and a negative net run rate after this loss, they must hope that the UP Warriorz defeat the Delhi Capitals in the final league match on Sunday. If Delhi wins, Mumbai’s journey in WPL 2026 will come to an end.

“I thought we had it when the captain was hitting those sixes,” said a disappointed Mumbai fan at the stadium. “But credit to Gujarat, they bowled brilliantly in the middle overs.”

Conclusion

While the result favored the Giants, the match will be remembered for the sheer class of Harmanpreet Kaur. Her 82* is a reminder of her status as one of the best in the world. For Gujarat, it was a night of redemption, proving they have the mettle to compete for the trophy.

Next Match Details

• Match: Delhi Capitals Women vs. UP Warriorz Women (Match 20)

• Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026

• Time: 7:30 PM IST

• Venue: BCA Stadium, Kotambi (Vadodara)

This is the final league match of the season and is essentially a “must-watch” for Mumbai Indians fans. Since Royal Challengers Bengaluru (1st) and Gujarat Giants (2nd) have already qualified:

1. For Delhi Capitals: A win will likely propel them into the Eliminator spot, potentially knocking Mumbai Indians out depending on Net Run Rate (NRR).

2. For Mumbai Indians: They are currently 3rd on the table. They need UP Warriorz to win this match to ensure Delhi doesn’t overtake them in points.

Upcoming Playoff Schedule: