The Mumbai Indians have secured a thrilling 9-run victory over the Gujarat Giants, breathing new life into their campaign. At the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, the home team set a daunting target of 179 runs after batting first, which proved just out of reach for the Giants as they managed 170 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Gujarat’s top order crumbled, with half the team back in the pavilion at a mere 70 runs, but a blistering 61-run innings from Bharti Fulmali injected a fresh lease of life into the contest. Although her valiant effort ultimately fell short of guiding her team to victory, it certainly made for an exhilarating spectacle.
The Significance of Gujarat’s Defeat
This loss marked the final league-stage match for the Gujarat Giants in WPL 2025, and a win would have potentially propelled them into the finals. However, the tide of the game shifted dramatically in the last two overs, courtesy of some exceptional bowling by the Mumbai Indians. The turning point came in the 17th over when Amelia Kerr claimed the crucial wicket of Bharti Fulmali. Thereafter, the Gujarat lower order succumbed to pressure, unable to muster the required runs. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians have edged closer to a direct finals berth. Their focus now shifts to ensuring that even if they lose to RCB, their net run rate doesn’t slip below that of the Delhi Capitals.
Bharti Fulmali’s Stormy Innings
Chasing a target of 180 runs, the Gujarat Giants found themselves in a precarious position, having lost five wickets at a score of just 70. It was at this juncture that Bharti Fulmali unleashed her fury, leaving the Mumbai bowlers reeling. She smashed a half-century in a mere 22 deliveries and went on to score 61 runs, her innings punctuated by 8 boundaries and 4 sixes. At one point, it seemed as though she had single-handedly turned the tide of the match, but her dismissal, while attempting to play a slow delivery, proved to be the decisive moment. With 38 runs needed for victory at the time of her departure, the Gujarat Giants couldn’t muster the remaining runs, ultimately falling short by 9 runs.
