MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 turned into a spectacle of high-octane cricket at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. On January 13, 2026, Mumbai Indians Women pulled off a stunning chase of 193 runs, winning by 7 wickets with 4 balls to spare. This victory not only marked the second-highest successful chase in WPL history but also extended Mumbai’s flawless head-to-head record against Gujarat Giants to an unbeatable 8-0. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a masterful unbeaten 71 off 43 balls, showcasing why she’s one of the most dominant forces in women’s cricket.
Imagine a match where every over brings a twist—dropped catches, explosive cameos, and a captain’s knock that silences critics. That’s exactly what unfolded in this WPL 2026 clash. Gujarat Giants, coming off two strong batting performances earlier in the tournament, posted a formidable 192/5, thanks to a late blitz from Bharti Fulmali and steady contributions from Georgia Wareham. But Mumbai, the defending champions, flipped the script in the chase, turning what could have been a tense thriller into a comfortable romp. How did they do it? Let’s dive deep into the action, breaking down every key moment, player performance, and strategic decision.
This match wasn’t just about the runs; it highlighted the evolving nature of women’s T20 cricket. High scores are becoming the norm, with teams like Gujarat consistently breaching 190. Yet, Mumbai’s chasing prowess—14 wins in 17 attempts—proves why they’re perennial favorites. For cricket fans tuning in via JioHotstar or Star Sports, this was prime-time entertainment. And for those following on social media, X posts exploded with praise for Harmanpreet, with one user calling her “the queen of chases against Giants.”
To set the stage, recall the broader WPL 2026 context. The league, now in its fourth season, has grown massively since its inception in 2023. Mumbai Indians have been the benchmark, winning the first two editions and reaching the final in 2025. Gujarat Giants, on the other hand, have struggled for consistency but showed promise this year with back-to-back wins before this setback. According to ESPN Cricinfo reports, the head-to-head dominance of Mumbai stems from superior all-round depth and clutch performances from stars like Harmanpreet.
Why does this match matter? It pushed Mumbai up the points table, tying them with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat at 4 points each after three games. For Gujarat, the loss exposed fielding frailties—three dropped catches of Harmanpreet alone—that could haunt them in tighter contests. As we analyze this game, we’ll incorporate insights from online resources like Cricbuzz and Sportskeeda, which provided live updates and stats confirming Mumbai’s chase as their highest ever in WPL history.
Let’s explore the pre-match buzz. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) were abuzz with predictions. One post from @Cricket_World highlighted the post-match press conference where Amanjot Kaur and Gujarat’s coach Michael Klinger discussed tactics. Another from @WomenCricketHQ noted the historic retired-out decision for Ayushi Soni, the first in WPL. These elements added layers to the narrative, making this not just a game but a chapter in WPL’s growing legacy.
In the sections ahead, we’ll break down both innings in detail, spotlight top performers, and look at the stats that defined the night. Whether you’re a die-hard Mumbai fan or a neutral cricket enthusiast, this recap will give you everything you need to relive the excitement. Stick around—did Gujarat’s bold tactics backfire, or was it simply Harmanpreet’s day?
Pre-Match Build-Up and Head-to-Head History
The anticipation for MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 was palpable leading up to January 13. Mumbai Indians entered the game with mixed form—a narrow loss to RCB in their opener, followed by a convincing win over Delhi Capitals. Gujarat Giants, meanwhile, had started strongly, winning their first two matches with impressive batting totals over 190. Online previews from sites like CricTracker predicted a close contest, noting Gujarat’s firepower with Sophie Devine and Ashleigh Gardner, but Mumbai’s historical edge loomed large.
Head-to-head stats paint a one-sided picture. As per BigBashBoard and ESPN Cricinfo, Mumbai has won all eight encounters against Gujarat since WPL’s start. This includes dominant performances in previous seasons, where Mumbai averaged 121.8 runs batting second and restricted Gujarat effectively. In batting-first scenarios, Gujarat managed only 158 on average, while Mumbai chased down targets with ease. A Facebook post from Khel Cricket emphasized this “total domination,” with Mumbai leading 8-0—a record unmatched in WPL history.
What fuels this rivalry? Mumbai’s balanced squad, blending experience with youth, contrasts Gujarat’s reliance on overseas stars. Harmanpreet Kaur’s personal record against Gujarat is staggering: 422 runs in eight innings at an average of 84.4 and a strike rate of 176.56. As detailed on Cricmetric, her scores include blistering knocks like 95* off 48 and 65 off 30. Threads posts from ESPN Cricinfo highlighted her “bossing” Gujarat, making her a nightmare matchup.
Team news added intrigue. Mumbai welcomed back Hayley Matthews from injury, but Nat Sciver-Brunt sat out unwell, as reported by WomenCricket.com. Gujarat missed Anushka Sharma due to injury, promoting Kanika Ahuja and introducing Ayushi Soni. X users like @HardikP97613658 speculated on how these changes would impact the game. Could Gujarat finally break the hoodoo? The build-up suggested a potential upset, but history favored Mumbai.
Toss and Playing XIs
The toss often sets the tone in T20 cricket, and in this MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 clash, Mumbai captain Harmanpreet Kaur called correctly and opted to bowl first. Why? The DY Patil pitch is known for assisting chasers under lights, with dew playing a factor. As per Cricbuzz previews, Mumbai’s stellar chase record (W/L ratio of 4.67) made this a tactical masterstroke. Gujarat skipper Ashleigh Gardner might have preferred batting first anyway, given their recent high-scoring innings.
Here’s the full playing XIs in tabular form for clarity:
| Team | Playing XI |
|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians Women | Gunalan Kamalini (wk), Hayley Matthews, Amanjot Kaur, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Nicola Carey, Amelia Kerr, Sajeevan Sajana, Sanskriti Gupta, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Triveni Vasistha |
| Gujarat Giants Women | Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Devine, Kanika Ahuja, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Georgia Wareham, Ayushi Soni, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur |
Key changes: For Mumbai, Matthews returned at the top, pushing others down. Gujarat’s injury to Anushka Sharma saw Ahuja at No.3 and Soni debuting. Tactics-wise, Mumbai aimed to exploit Gujarat’s middle-order vulnerabilities with spinners like Amelia Kerr. Gujarat banked on their power-hitters to set a big total. As one X post from @Sporcaster noted, “Mumbai won toss and bowl—exciting under lights!”
Gujarat Giants Innings: Building a Competitive Total (192/5)
Gujarat Giants’ innings in this MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 match was a rollercoaster—promising starts, a mid-innings lull, and a fiery finish. Asked to bat, they raced to 62/1 in the powerplay but couldn’t capitalize fully, ending at 192/5. Let’s break it down phase by phase.
Powerplay Surge and Early Breakthroughs
The opening overs set an aggressive tone. Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine attacked, with Devine surviving a dropped catch off Shabnim Ismail in the first over. They smashed four boundaries off Hayley Matthews in the second over, per Hindustan Times live updates. However, Ismail struck back, dismissing Devine for 8 (caught by Kamalini). Kanika Ahuja, promoted to No.3, blazed 35 off 18 (4 fours, 2 sixes), partnering Mooney (33 off 26) for 42 runs. By powerplay end, Gujarat were 62/1—a solid start, but Amelia Kerr’s breakthrough (Mooney caught and bowled) kept Mumbai in check.
Middle Overs Consolidation and Mini-Collapses
Overs 7-15 saw Gujarat build but falter. Ashleigh Gardner smashed 20 off 11 (4 fours) before being lbw to Nicola Carey. Ahuja fell soon after to Matthews, leaving Gujarat at 99/4 after 10 overs. Georgia Wareham (43* off 33) anchored, finding gaps for 4 fours and 1 six. But Ayushi Soni struggled (11 off 14), leading to the historic decision—retired out in the 16th over, the first in WPL, as explained on WomenCricket.com. This tactical move, aimed at injecting momentum, brought in Bharti Fulmali.
Was this gamble worth it? Absolutely, as it shifted the innings’ momentum.
The Retired-Out Controversy and Late Onslaught
The retired-out sparked debate online, with X posts questioning its fairness. But it paid off. Fulmali exploded with 36* off 15 (3 fours, 3 sixes), smashing 39 runs in the last two overs off Carey and Amanjot Kaur. Wareham-Fulmali’s 56-run stand off 24 balls propelled Gujarat to 192/5. Mumbai’s bowlers: Ismail (1/25) was economical, but Amanjot (0/48) leaked runs.
Full scorecard in table:
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beth Mooney (wk) | 33 | 26 | 3 | 1 | 126.92 | c & b Amelia Kerr |
| Sophie Devine | 8 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 200.00 | c G Kamalini b Shabnim Ismail |
| Kanika Ahuja | 35 | 18 | 4 | 2 | 194.44 | c Nicola Carey b Hayley Matthews |
| Ashleigh Gardner (c) | 20 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 181.82 | lbw b Nicola Carey |
| Georgia Wareham | 43 | 33 | 4 | 1 | 130.30 | not out |
| Ayushi Soni | 11 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 78.57 | retired out |
| Bharti Fulmali | 36 | 15 | 3 | 3 | 240.00 | not out |
| Extras | 6 (lb 4, w 1, nb 1) | |||||
| Total | 192/5 (20 overs, RR: 9.60) |
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | 2.4 |
| 2 | 64 | 6.3 |
| 3 | 97 | 9.2 |
| 4 | 99 | 10.1 |
| 5 | 136 | 16 (retired out) |
Partnerships:
| Partnership | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Mooney-Devine | 22 | 16 |
| Mooney-Ahuja | 42 | 23 |
| Gardner-Ahuja | 33 | 17 |
| Wareham-Ahuja | 2 | 5 |
| Wareham-Soni | 37 | 35 |
| Wareham-Fulmali | 56 | 24 |
Bowling for Mumbai:
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shabnim Ismail | 4 | 0 | 25 | 1 | 6.25 |
| Hayley Matthews | 3 | 0 | 34 | 1 | 11.33 |
| Nicola Carey | 4 | 0 | 36 | 1 | 9.00 |
| Amelia Kerr | 4 | 0 | 40 | 1 | 10.00 |
| Amanjot Kaur | 4 | 0 | 48 | 0 | 12.00 |
| Sanskriti Gupta | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5.00 |
This innings showed Gujarat’s depth but also their inability to convert starts, a recurring theme per Wikipedia’s WPL records page.
Mumbai Indians’ Chase: A Captain’s Masterclass (193/3 in 19.2 overs)
Mumbai’s reply in MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 was a clinic in chasing. They overcame early hiccups to win comfortably, thanks to Harmanpreet’s composure and support from Amanjot and Carey. The required rate hovered around 9.65, but Mumbai paced it perfectly.
Shaky Start in the Powerplay
The powerplay brought drama. G Kamalini (13 off 12) was stumped off Renuka Singh, and Matthews (22 off 12, 3 fours, 1 six) skied one to Devine off Kashvee Gautam. At 48/2 after 6 overs, Gujarat sniffed a chance. But Harmanpreet joined Amanjot, stabilizing with calculated aggression.
Amanjot Kaur and Harmanpreet Rebuild
The duo’s 72-run stand off 44 balls turned the tide. Amanjot (40 off 26, 7 fours) punished loose balls, smashing boundaries off Wareham and Renuka. Harmanpreet, starting steadily, accelerated with sixes off Gardner. Devine broke the partnership, catching Amanjot at long-on. By the 12th over, Mumbai were 109/3—well on track.
Nicola Carey’s Late Acceleration and Finishing Touch
Carey (38* off 23, 6 fours) joined Harmanpreet, and the floodgates opened. The 16th over off Renuka yielded 20 runs (5 boundaries, including a leg-bye). Despite three drops of Harmanpreet (as noted in Economic Times report), she marched to 71* (7 fours, 2 sixes), sealing the win with a boundary in the 19th over. This chase, Mumbai’s highest in WPL, per NDTV Sports, underscored their depth.
Full scorecard:
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunalan Kamalini (wk) | 13 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 108.33 | st Beth Mooney b Renuka Singh |
| Hayley Matthews | 22 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 183.33 | c Sophie Devine b Kashvee Gautam |
| Amanjot Kaur | 40 | 26 | 7 | 0 | 153.85 | c Ashleigh Gardner b Sophie Devine |
| Harmanpreet Kaur (c) | 71 | 43 | 7 | 2 | 165.12 | not out |
| Nicola Carey | 38 | 23 | 6 | 0 | 165.22 | not out |
| Extras | 9 (b 4, lb 4, w 1) | |||||
| Total | 193/3 (19.2 overs, RR: 9.98) |
Fall of Wickets:
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 | 2.5 |
| 2 | 37 | 4.5 |
| 3 | 109 | 12.1 |
Partnerships:
| Partnership | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Kamalini-Matthews | 20 | 17 |
| Amanjot-Matthews | 17 | 12 |
| Amanjot-Harmanpreet | 72 | 44 |
| Carey-Harmanpreet | 84 | 43 |
Bowling for Gujarat:
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renuka Singh Thakur | 4 | 0 | 39 | 1 | 9.75 |
| Kashvee Gautam | 4 | 0 | 33 | 1 | 8.25 |
| Rajeshwari Gayakwad | 2 | 0 | 22 | 0 | 11.00 |
| Sophie Devine | 3.2 | 0 | 29 | 1 | 8.70 |
| Georgia Wareham | 2 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 11.50 |
| Tanuja Kanwar | 3 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 9.67 |
| Ashleigh Gardner | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10.00 |
Gujarat’s bowlers lacked control, with Renuka’s over proving costly.
Match Highlights and Pivotal Turning Points
This MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 game had plenty of highlights. Here are the top ones:
- Devine’s Early Reprieve and Dismissal: Dropped in over 1, she smashed boundaries before Ismail’s redemption catch.
- Ahuja’s Aggressive Cameo: 35 off 18 injected momentum post-powerplay.
- Gardner’s Quick 20: Four boundaries kept the scoreboard ticking.
- First WPL Retired-Out: Ayushi Soni walked off to make way for Fulmali—bold and effective.
- Fulmali’s Late Carnage: Two sixes in the final over off Amanjot for 36*.
- Matthews’ Brisk Start: 22 off 12 set a positive tone despite early loss.
- Amanjot-Harmanpreet Partnership: 72 runs shifted momentum.
- Carey’s 20-Run Over: Five boundaries off Renuka slashed the required rate.
- Harmanpreet’s Milestone: 50 off 33, crossing 1000 WPL runs.
- Winning Boundary: Harmanpreet seals it with 4 balls left.
Pivotal turning points:
- Retired-Out Decision (Over 16): Allowed Fulmali’s blitz, boosting Gujarat to 192 from a potential 160.
- Dropped Catches of Harmanpreet: Three reprieves (one by Fulmali) let her convert to 71*.
- 16th Over Onslaught: Carey’s boundaries reduced 84 off 48 to 39 off 24.
- Devine’s Breakthrough: Ended Amanjot’s knock, but Mumbai’s depth prevailed.
- Powerplay Wickets for Gujarat: 48/2 kept them ahead briefly, but fielding lapses cost dear.
As Gardner said post-match (via Yahoo Sports), “Catches win matches—we didn’t take ours.”
Player of the Match and Post-Match Reactions
Harmanpreet Kaur was deservedly Player of the Match for her unbeaten 71*. Her knock, praised on NDTV as a “batting masterclass,” marked her 10th WPL fifty and extended Mumbai’s unbeaten streak when she scores 50+ to 10 games. In her interview: “We calculated well. Amanjot batted beautifully, and Carey took pressure off. Scores like 200 are normal now.”
Nicola Carey: “Easy with Harman at the other end. We put pressure back on bowlers.”
Ashleigh Gardner: “Disappointing fielding. I could have bowled more, but hindsight’s wonderful. Fulmali’s finish was pleasing, but not our night.”
These reactions, from press conferences on CricketWorld.com, highlight team dynamics.
Key Statistics and Records Broken
Stats defined this game. Here’s a table of key ones:
| Stat Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Head-to-Head | MI 8-0 vs GG (100% win rate, unique in WPL) |
| Harmanpreet vs GG | 8 innings, 422 runs, Avg 84.4, SR 176.56 (scores: 65,51,46,95,4,54,36,71*) |
| WPL 1000+ Runs | Nat Sciver-Brunt (1101), Harmanpreet (1016) |
| Harmanpreet in Chases | 12 inns, 432 runs, Avg 72, SR 143.52, 5 fifties |
| Highest WPL Chases | 202 (RCB vs GG, 2025), 193 (MI vs GG, 2026), 191 (MI vs GG, 2024) |
| MI in WPL Chases | 17 matches, 14 wins, 3 losses, W/L 4.67 |
Records broken: Second-highest chase; Mumbai’s highest; First retired-out; Harmanpreet second to 1000 runs. As per Yardbarker, top five chases all vs GG.
Updated WPL 2026 Points Table and Standings
After this result, the points table tightened:
| Pos | Team | M | W | L | PT | NRR | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RCB-W | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +1.964 | W W |
| 2 | MI-W | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | +0.901 | L W W |
| 3 | GG-W | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | +0.105 | W W L |
| 4 | DC-W | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -1.350 | L L |
| 5 | UPW-W | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -2.443 | L L |
Mumbai climbed to second, boosting NRR. Gujarat slipped but remain contenders.
Impact on the Tournament and What Next for Both Teams
This win reinforces Mumbai’s status as favorites in WPL 2026. Their chasing ability shines, but death bowling needs tightening—Amanjot’s expensive spell a concern. For Gujarat, batting firepower is evident, but fielding and middle-order conversions are weak spots. As Indian Express noted, Harmanpreet “rescued” Mumbai again, highlighting leadership.
Broader impact: High scores (three 190+ by GG) signal flatter pitches and bolder batting. The retired-out could inspire tactical innovations.
Next for Mumbai: vs UP Warriorz, then Delhi Capitals. They’ll aim to solidify playoffs. Gujarat faces RCB twice—tough tests to address fielding, per coach Klinger’s comments. Can they bounce back?
Full match report on ESPN Cricinfo.
Final Thoughts – A Classic WPL Encounter
MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 was a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and drama. Harmanpreet’s epic 71* not only clinched the win but etched her name deeper in WPL lore. Mumbai’s 7-wicket triumph, despite Gujarat’s valiant 192/5, underscores the gap in execution—fielding lapses versus clinical chasing.
This match exemplifies why WPL captivates fans: explosive innings like Fulmali’s, bold decisions like the retired-out, and stars like Harmanpreet delivering under pressure. As the tournament progresses, expect more high-stakes battles. Mumbai looks poised for another title run, while Gujarat must fix flaws to compete.
What did you think of Harmanpreet’s knock? Share in the comments below, and follow IPL Star for more WPL updates. Let’s keep the conversation going—cricket’s better together!
FAQs: MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026
- Who won the Mumbai Indians Women vs Gujarat Giants Women 6th match in WPL 2026? MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 Mumbai Indians Women won by 7 wickets with 4 balls remaining, successfully chasing Gujarat Giants’ 192/5 in a thrilling encounter on January 13, 2026, at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy.
- What was the final score in MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 Match 6? MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 Gujarat Giants Women posted 192/5 in 20 overs, powered by Bharti Fulmali’s unbeaten 36* off 15. Mumbai Indians Women chased 193/3 in 19.2 overs, led by Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten 71 off 43.
- How did Harmanpreet Kaur perform in MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026? MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 Harmanpreet Kaur played a captain’s knock of 71* off 43 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes), surviving three dropped catches and guiding Mumbai to their highest successful WPL chase against Gujarat Giants.
- Who was Player of the Match in Mumbai Indians Women vs Gujarat Giants Women 6th match WPL 2026? MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 Harmanpreet Kaur was named Player of the Match for her match-winning unbeaten 71*, marking her 10th WPL fifty and extending Mumbai’s dominance over Gujarat Giants.
- What is the head-to-head record between MI Women and Gujarat Giants Women after WPL 2026 Match 6? MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 Mumbai Indians Women maintain a perfect 8-0 record against Gujarat Giants Women across all WPL seasons, the only 100% win record in the league’s history.
- What records were broken in MIW vs GGTW WPL 2026 highlights? MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 The match featured the second-highest successful chase in WPL history (193), Mumbai’s highest-ever WPL chase, the first retired-out in WPL (Ayushi Soni), and Harmanpreet Kaur reaching 1000+ WPL runs.
- Why was there a retired-out in Gujarat Giants innings during WPL 2026? MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 Ayushi Soni (11 off 14) was retired out in the 16th over to bring in impact player Bharti Fulmali, who smashed 36* off 15 and helped Gujarat add 56 runs in the final 24 balls.
- How did dropped catches affect the MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 result? MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 Gujarat Giants dropped Harmanpreet Kaur three times, allowing her to convert a shaky position into a match-defining 71*, a key reason Mumbai completed the chase comfortably.
- Where do Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants stand in the WPL 2026 points table after this match? MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 Mumbai Indians Women moved to joint-second with 4 points and +0.901 NRR. Gujarat Giants Women slipped to third with 4 points and +0.105 NRR.
- What were the key turning points in Mumbai Indians Women vs Gujarat Giants Women 6th match recap? MI Women vs Gujarat Giants Women WPL 2026 Major turning points included Gujarat’s retired-out gamble paying off, Nicola Carey’s 20-run over off Renuka Singh, three dropped catches of Harmanpreet, and Bharti Fulmali’s late blitz of 36* off 15.