Gujarat Giants have become the second team to secure a playoff berth in Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026, officially booking their spot in the Eliminator. This milestone was achieved following an 11-run victory over the Mumbai Indians at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi on January 30. While the Giants celebrate their advancement, the result leaves Mumbai in a precarious do-or-die position as they look ahead to their final league fixture.
Gujarat Giants make WPL 2026 playoffs
After opting to bat first, Gujarat faced an early setback with the loss of Beth Mooney. However, the responsibility of stabilizing the innings once again fell to Sophie Devine and Anushka Sharma. The pair constructed a solid 48-run partnership for the second wicket, with Devine contributing 25 and Sharma adding 33. Although both set a strong foundation, they were unable to convert their starts into a massive individual score.
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The middle and late overs belonged to captain Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham, who turned the tide in Gujarat’s favor. Gardner played a decisive leader's knock, smashing 46 off 28 balls, while Wareham remained unbeaten with a blistering 44 off just 26 deliveries. Their 71-run partnership effectively dismantled the Mumbai bowling attack, propelling the Giants to a competitive total of 167 for four.
Harmanpreet Kaur's heroics in vain
Mumbai’s chase featured a valiant masterclass from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, but her efforts weren't enough to bridge the gap. The defending champions struggled to keep pace with the required run rate, ultimately finishing their 20 overs at 156 for seven. This hard-fought win for the Giants ensures they remain a top contender as the tournament moves into the knockout phase.
Mumbai Indians' pursuit of the target got off to a sluggish start, as the top order struggled to find its footing. While Sajeevan Sajana showed early promise with a brisk 26, her dismissal triggered a mini-collapse that saw Mumbai reeling at 37 for three. The early loss of wickets put the defending champions on the back foot, forcing the middle order into an immediate recovery mission.
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In the face of mounting pressure, captain Harmanpreet Kaur produced a sensational lone-warrior performance, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 82 off just 48 balls. While she received minor contributions from Amelia Kerr and Amanjot Kaur, the bulk of the scoring responsibility rested solely on her shoulders. Her masterful half-century, punctuated by eight boundaries and six sixes, kept Mumbai’s hopes alive as she single-handedly dragged the game into the final stages.
The match ultimately transformed into a high-stakes showdown between Kaur and the Gujarat bowlers. Entering the final over, Mumbai required 26 runs for an improbable victory; despite Kaur launching two massive sixes to keep the tension high, the task proved too great. Gujarat Giants held their nerve to secure an 11-run win, marking a historic moment as they registered their first-ever victory over Mumbai in the history of the WPL.