The stage was set for a thrilling encounter between two powerhouse teams in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025: Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians. As the match unfolded, the Gujarat Giants were tasked with chasing a modest target of 121 runs set by the Mumbai Indians, but the pressure of the occasion was palpable. On a pitch that had offered some assistance to the bowlers, it was clear that chasing 121 would require composure, precision, and a clinical approach. The game was in full swing, and the stakes were high, with both teams eager to make a statement in what was shaping up to be an exciting contest.
The Setting: Gujarat Giants’ Chase
At the crease for Gujarat Giants, the experienced all-rounder, Heather Matthews, stood firm alongside the talented Yastika Bhatia, who was known for her calm demeanor and ability to anchor innings. The pair had a vital role to play in the chase, and the onus was on them to steady the ship and ensure that Gujarat didn’t lose wickets in a heap while chasing down a modest total. With 121 runs required, the Giants were by no means out of the contest, but the pressure was mounting. They knew that any early wickets would put the chase in jeopardy, especially given the relatively low target.
The Mumbai Indians’ bowlers, led by the dynamic left-arm spinner, Amelia Kerr, and the experienced pace duo of Shikha Pandey and Pooja Vastrakar, had restricted Gujarat to a manageable target. Despite a few overs of brilliant batting, Mumbai had found ways to keep the Giants’ scoring rate in check. It was clear that the Gujarat Giants needed to approach the chase with a measured mindset, avoiding unnecessary risks and playing with patience. Matthews and Yastika were the perfect duo to anchor this pursuit, and the pressure was now on Mumbai’s bowlers to create breakthroughs.
Mumbai Indians’ Innings: Setting the Target
Mumbai’s innings had been a test of patience. With Gujarat’s bowlers applying consistent pressure from the outset, Mumbai’s batters found themselves on the back foot. Harmanpreet Kaur, the Mumbai captain, had once again failed to fire at the top of the order, falling early to a brilliant delivery from Gujarat’s pace spearhead. The middle order had been steady, but the scoring rate was far from explosive. A key partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt and Yastika’s Gujarat teammate, Sneh Rana, had propelled Mumbai to a total that they hoped would be defendable.
It was clear, however, that 121 runs was not an insurmountable target, but it would require discipline and concentration. Mumbai’s batters had shown the ability to stick around, but they had failed to accelerate in the latter stages, leaving the door open for Gujarat’s bowlers to make an impact. The pitch had become a little slower as the match wore on, providing some assistance to both spinners and seamers. The Gujarat Giants were confident they could restrict the total within range, but chasing 121 would require their batters to be on top of their game.
The Chase: Gujarat Giants’ Response
As the Gujarat Giants began their chase, Heather Matthews and Yastika Bhatia walked out with a calm yet determined expression on their faces. They knew that wickets in hand would be crucial in the pursuit of 121 runs. Matthews, a seasoned campaigner, was the more aggressive of the two. However, she was also intelligent enough to know when to rein in her natural instincts and rotate the strike. Yastika, on the other hand, was known for her composed batting technique and ability to build partnerships.
Gujarat’s chase began steadily, with Matthews and Yastika playing the waiting game. The early overs were about seeing off the threat posed by Mumbai’s bowlers, particularly Kerr and Pandey, who had the ability to turn the game with a single over. Matthews was quick to dispatch anything short to the boundary, showing her intent early on. Yastika, meanwhile, took her time, ensuring she saw the ball closely and rotated the strike effectively.
As the game progressed, it became clear that Mumbai’s bowlers were feeling the pressure. The run rate required was not high, but the anxiety of defending a small total started to show. The Gujarat Giants maintained a steady pace, with Matthews punishing the bad balls, while Yastika kept things ticking over. The Mumbai fielders, usually sharp and aggressive, started to feel the tension as Matthews and Yastika gradually built a partnership.
The Pressure Mounts: Key Moments of the Chase
In the middle overs, the equation was simple: the Gujarat Giants needed to keep wickets intact while maintaining a steady rate of scoring. The 60-run mark was crossed with little difficulty, but the tension was building. It was clear that the next few overs would be crucial. If the Giants could keep up the pace without losing wickets, they were favorites to close out the match.
The breakthrough came when Matthews, in her attempt to up the tempo, misjudged a delivery from Kerr. The ball turned sharply and found its way to the fielder at mid-wicket, where a simple catch was taken. Matthews’ dismissal brought in another key player for Gujarat—Harleen Deol. Deol, with her aggressive style of batting, would now be tasked with providing the push that the chase needed, while Yastika remained calm at the other end.
With Matthews’ wicket, the Mumbai Indians had a chance to regroup. They needed to pick up another quick wicket to apply pressure on Gujarat. The equation was down to 40 runs off 40 balls, a manageable target, but the presence of Yastika at the crease gave Gujarat the stability they needed. Her calmness under pressure, combined with Deol’s aggressive stroke play, made for an interesting contest in the closing stages.
Key Battles: Deol and Yastika vs. Mumbai’s Bowlers
Harleen Deol, a player capable of turning games on their head, came in with a clear plan. Her intent was obvious: take on the spinners, especially Kerr, who had been the most threatening bowler for Mumbai. Deol danced down the pitch and lofted a beautiful shot over long-on for six, signalling that she was ready to take control. Yastika, still at the crease, played the anchor role beautifully, finding gaps and running well between the wickets.
But the pressure was never off. Mumbai’s bowlers, led by Kerr, continued to apply pressure, setting clever fields and making it difficult for Gujarat to score freely. Pooja Vastrakar, a seasoned campaigner, bowled with discipline, keeping the batters in check. As the target got smaller, the game became more intense, and the players knew that every dot ball and every boundary would play a massive role.
The Final Push
The game was reaching its climax, with Gujarat needing only 20 runs from 20 balls. The Mumbai bowlers were aware that they couldn’t afford to bowl too many loose deliveries, but with the experienced players like Yastika and Deol at the crease, Gujarat’s chase seemed under control. Deol launched another powerful shot, this time through extra cover, and the crowd erupted as Gujarat closed in on the target.
As the final overs approached, the Gujarat Giants found themselves needing only a few runs to clinch the game. With Yastika and Deol combining perfectly, the Mumbai Indians’ chances of defending 121 dwindled. A brilliant strike from Yastika sealed the win for Gujarat, as they reached the target with three balls to spare.
Conclusion
In a nail-biting finish, Gujarat Giants successfully chased down the target of 121 runs set by Mumbai Indians in WPL 2025. The calmness and maturity shown by Yastika Bhatia and the aggressive strokes of Harleen Deol proved to be the winning formula. Although Matthews’ dismissal had momentarily rattled Gujarat, they found the right balance between caution and aggression, eventually securing a crucial win in a low-scoring encounter. Mumbai’s bowlers fought hard, but the target was simply too small to defend in the end.
With this win, Gujarat Giants showcased their resilience and ability to finish games under pressure, setting the stage for an exciting rest of the season. For Mumbai, it was a lesson in how small targets can often be harder to defend, and they will need to regroup quickly for the upcoming fixtures.
