Gujarat Giants (GG) will look to finish its final home game with a win when it faces Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Kotambi International Stadium in Vadodara on Tuesday.
After losing the high-scoring Women’s Premier League (WPL) tournament opener, the Giants opened their account with a six-wicket win over UP Warriorz. GG chased a below-par total of 144 to complete its first successful run-chase in the tournament.
Priya Mishra opened her WPL wickets tally, and Ashleigh Gardner struck a second consecutive half-century. Gardner led from the front and was helped on the way by handy contributions from Laura Wolvaardt and Harleen Deol.
Deandra Dottin’s quickfire knock and two wickets capped an improved all-round performance by the home side. But GG faces a real test of skill as it plays Mumbai Indians, a side it has yet to beat in the tournament.
ALSO READ: Capitals coach Batty rues lack of partnerships; Wareham praises “amazing” Renuka
The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will also be eager to bounce back after suffering a narrow defeat against Delhi Capitals in its first match. MI’s openers fell cheaply, but Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 80 and skipper Harmanpreet’s 22-ball 42 anchored the innings.
The lower-order misfired on an important night, with experienced players like Amelia Kerr and S. Sajana falling for single-digit scores. The last six batters could add only 20 runs as MI folded for 164.
However, MI stormed back into the game, breaking the partnership between Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma before triggering a collapse.
Kerr and Shabnim Ismail’s economic spells helped restrict the Capitals. MI put on a solid fielding effort, but a few touch-and-go run-outs dampened its chances further. A dramatic last over meant MI ended on the losing side of a thriller.
Harmanpreet and Co. will seek redemption and hope to complete the Vadodara leg with a win.