WPL 2026: Harmanpreet Kaur’s Lone Battle in Vain as Gujarat Giants Beat Mumbai Indians for First Time, Seal Eliminator Spot

Gujarat Giants scripted history in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 by defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians for the first time, registering an 11-run victory at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara. The landmark win not only broke an eight-match losing streak against Mumbai but also confirmed Gujarat’s place in the Eliminator.

Opting to bat first, Gujarat Giants posted a competitive 167 for 4 in their 20 overs, riding on a commanding knock from captain Ashleigh Gardner, whose fluent 46 off 28 balls set the tone. Mumbai Indians, despite a heroic effort from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, could only manage 156 for 7, falling short in the final overs.

Gujarat’s Composed Batting Effort

Gujarat’s innings began steadily with Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine adding 21 runs for the opening stand. Mooney departed early for 5, after which Anushka Sharma partnered Devine to add 48 runs for the second wicket. Anushka scored a well-made 33 off 31 balls, while Devine contributed 25 off 21 deliveries.

The decisive phase came when captain Ashleigh Gardner joined hands with Georgia Wareham. The duo stitched together a crucial 71-run partnership for the fourth wicket, accelerating the scoring rate. Gardner struck seven boundaries and a six, while Wareham remained unbeaten on 44 off 26 balls, featuring two sixes and four fours.

For Mumbai, Amelia Kerr was the most effective bowler with 2 wickets for 26 runs, while Shabnim Ismail and Nat Sciver-Brunt claimed one wicket each.

Harmanpreet Stands Tall Amid Collapse

Chasing 168, Mumbai Indians suffered an early setback as both Hayley Matthews and Sajeevan Sajana were dismissed inside the powerplay. Matthews scored 6 off 8 balls, while Sajana made 26 off 25. Star all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt also failed to fire, departing for just 2 runs, leaving Mumbai struggling at 37 for 3.

From there on, it was a one-woman show. Harmanpreet Kaur held the innings together with a superb display of power and composure. She brought up her 11th half-century of the league off just 34 balls and continued to fight till the end. However, lack of support from the other end hurt Mumbai badly. Amelia Kerr (20) and Amanjot Kaur (13) chipped in briefly but could not sustain partnerships.

Harmanpreet remained unbeaten on 82 off 48 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes, but her valiant knock went in vain as Mumbai fell short despite a late push in the final two overs.

Playoff Scenario

With this win, Gujarat Giants have secured their spot in the Eliminator, while Royal Challengers Bangalore have already booked a direct place in the final. Only one league match remains—UP Warriorz vs Delhi Capitals. A Delhi win will see them qualify for the Eliminator, while a UP victory will leave three teams tied on six points, with net run rate deciding the final playoff spot.

For Gujarat, this historic victory marks a turning point in their WPL journey, while Mumbai, despite Harmanpreet’s brilliance, will rue a missed opportunity on a crucial night.