Gujarat Giants finally rewrote their rivalry script in WPL 2026, producing a clutch all-round performance to defeat defending champions Mumbai Indians by 11 runs and secure a place in the Eliminator in Vadodara. It was a landmark moment, as the Giants registered their first-ever win over Mumbai after eight straight defeats, doing so when it mattered the most.
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Gardner and Wareham Flip the Script
Opting to bat, Gujarat found themselves wobbling midway through the innings in this high-stakes WPL 2026 clash. The dismissals of Anushka Sharma and Sophie Devine in quick succession stalled the momentum, with Mumbai’s disciplined bowling threatening to seize control. However, skipper Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham delivered a decisive counterattack that changed the complexion of the game.
Gardner’s fluent 46 off 28 balls was packed with intent, while Wareham’s brisk 44 from 26 provided perfect support. Their 71-run partnership dragged Gujarat out of trouble and lifted them to a competitive 167/4. The late surge, which saw 61 runs scored in the final five overs, proved vital in the context of WPL 2026, especially on a surface that wasn’t easy for stroke-making.
Harmanpreet’s Lone Fight
Chasing 168 in WPL 2026 conditions that demanded composure, Mumbai Indians never quite settled despite a captain’s knock from Harmanpreet Kaur. Her unbeaten 82 off 48 balls was a display of power and poise, featuring eight fours and four sixes, but she lacked consistent support at the other end.
Georgia Wareham was exceptional with the ball, returning figures of 2/26 to derail Mumbai’s middle order, while Gardner chipped in with a crucial wicket. Sophie Devine’s early breakthroughs also kept Mumbai under pressure, a pattern seen often in WPL 2026 matches where early wickets dictate the chase.
Playoff Picture Takes Shape
With this win in WPL 2026, Gujarat Giants sealed their Eliminator berth, while Mumbai’s fate now hinges on the final league fixture between Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, meanwhile, have already booked a direct spot in the final, underlining their dominance in WPL 2026.
As the league phase nears its conclusion, WPL 2026 continues to deliver drama, momentum shifts, and standout performances—none bigger than Gujarat Giants finally breaking their Mumbai hoodoo on the grand stage of WPL 2026.
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