“We want to get to that final. Hopefully, if we face them again, we can change that tune.” These were the words of the Gujarat Giants (GG) skipper, Ashleigh Gardner, after their loss to the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their last league game. That marked GG’s sixth loss against MI in six meetings in WPL history.
Now, Gardner and her team have a golden opportunity to break that streak as they take on MI in the eliminator at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, on March 13.
MI’s dominance at Brabourne
MI will start as favourites, considering their strong record at this venue. They have won five of their six games here, with their only loss coming against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their last match.
GG will see this as the perfect time to register their first win over MI. In the two meetings this season, MI chased successfully in Vadodara and defended 179 runs at Brabourne, winning by just nine runs.
MI’s record in the Eliminator
Mumbai finished second on the points table with 10 points in eight games. This marks their third straight appearance in the WPL playoffs.
- In the 2023 eliminator, they dominated UP Warriorz (UPW), winning by 72 runs. Nat Sciver-Brunt starred with an unbeaten 72 off 38 balls and a crucial 1/21 with the ball.
- In the 2024 eliminator, they let slip a winnable game against RCB, losing by five runs. Nat again played a key role, scoring 23 off 17 and taking 2/18.
Now, in another eliminator, the focus will once again be on the English all-rounder.
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Nat Sciver-Brunt: MI’s key player
Nat Sciver-Brunt has been MI’s and the tournament’s best batter this season, scoring 416 runs in eight innings at an average of 69.33 and a strike rate of 151.82, with four fifties. She has also taken eight wickets at an economy of 8.03.
For GG, dismissing her early will be crucial. In Vadodara, she scored 57 (39) and in Brabourne, she scored 38 (31), but on both occasions, she got out to spinners only (Gardner and Priya Mishra). So, again, GG should look to put Nat to the spin test as soon as possible when she comes out to bat.
GG’s first playoff appearance
GG finished third with eight points and will be playing in the playoffs for the first time. This makes the eliminator a completely new experience for the franchise.
Their top three batters have been consistent:
- Beth Mooney: 231 runs in eight innings (Avg: 33.00, SR: 128.33, two fifties)
- Ashleigh Gardner: 235 runs in eight innings (Avg: 33.57, SR: 163.19, three fifties)
- Harleen Deol: 224 runs in eight innings (Avg: 44.80, SR: 122.40, one fifty)
Among the bowlers, Kashvee Gautam has been impressive, taking 10 wickets in eight matches.
Battle against MI’s spin duo
MI’s spinners have been the best in the tournament so far.
- Hayley Matthews: 14 wickets (top wicket-taker)
- Amelia Kerr: 14 wickets (second highest)
Gardner has played spin well, getting dismissed only once this season. However, Mooney and Harleen have struggled, losing their wickets to spinners four and three times, respectively. GG’s ability to counter MI’s spin attack could decide the match.
GG’s top order must step up
GG’s top order has struggled against MI this season.
- In Vadodara, they lost five wickets for 43 runs.
- In Brabourne, they collapsed to 70/5.
GG must improve in this area if they want to beat MI and book a place in the final against Delhi Capitals on March 15.
Also Read: After GG’s complacent approach, MI look for top spot with win over RCB
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