Gujarat Giants Break Mumbai Indians Curse in WPL Thriller: How They Finally Won the Unwinnable Match

Gujarat Giants end Mumbai Indians jinx with 11-run thriller to reach WPL Eliminator

They called it the ‘Mumbai jinx’—a haunting streak that saw Gujarat Giants fall to the Mumbai Indians in every single Women’s Premier League (WPL) encounter since the tournament’s inception. But on a tension-filled evening in 2026, that curse was shattered in dramatic fashion.

In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final over, **Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians** ended not with another MI celebration, but with GG players erupting in relief and triumph after an 11-run victory that booked their ticket to the WPL Eliminator [[1]].

What made this win so special wasn’t just the stakes—it was the redemption. It was Ashleigh Gardner’s ice-cool leadership, Georgia Wareham’s clutch bowling, and the cruel irony of Harmanpreet Kaur’s magnificent 82 going down in defeat. This wasn’t just a win; it was an exorcism of past failures.

Table of Contents

The Jinx: A History of Heartbreak

Since the WPL launched in 2023, Gujarat Giants had never beaten Mumbai Indians. Across three seasons and five encounters, MI always found a way—whether through last-over heroics, powerplay dominance, or Harmanpreet Kaur’s calm under pressure.

Each loss chipped away at GG’s confidence. Analysts began labeling them “MI’s favorite opponents”—not because they were competitive, but because they were predictable. That narrative weighed heavily on the squad, especially heading into this high-stakes 2026 clash with an Eliminator berth on the line.

Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians: The Turning Point

The match unfolded like a classic thriller. Batting first, Gujarat posted a competitive 158/7, thanks to solid contributions from Beth Mooney (42) and a fiery 28 off 14 by Deandra Dottin. But the real backbone came from an unlikely source: a 47-run eighth-wicket stand between captain Ashleigh Gardner (31*) and all-rounder Georgia Wareham (24*).

That partnership—often overlooked in highlight reels—added crucial runs that ultimately proved decisive. As ESPNcricinfo noted, “In T20 cricket, late-order resilience can be the difference between elimination and advancement” [[2]].

Chasing 159, Mumbai looked in control when Harmanpreet Kaur walked in at 42/3. What followed was a masterclass: 82* off 59 balls, laced with 9 fours and 3 sixes. Yet, despite her brilliance, the required run rate climbed, and wickets fell at the other end.

Ashleigh Gardner’s Twin Role as Captain and Match-Winner

Gardner didn’t just contribute with the bat—she orchestrated the entire bowling attack with surgical precision. Knowing MI’s middle order was vulnerable against spin, she brought herself on early and strangled the chase with her off-spin, conceding just 22 runs in her 4 overs.

But her masterstroke was trusting Georgia Wareham in the death overs. With 28 needed off 18 balls, Wareham dismissed key batter Amelia Kerr with a perfectly disguised wrong’un. Two overs later, she trapped Saika Ishaque LBW to seal the game.

“I always believed we could beat them,” Gardner said post-match. “It wasn’t about breaking a jinx—it was about believing in our process.”

Harmanpreet Kaur’s 82 in Vain: Why Mumbai Fell Short

Harmanpreet’s innings deserved a win. But cricket is a team sport—and Mumbai’s top order collapsed once again. Openers Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews managed just 18 runs combined before falling to medium pace.

More critically, the support batters failed to rotate strike effectively. At one point, Harmanpreet faced 11 consecutive balls while her partner scored just 2 runs—a fatal imbalance in a high-pressure chase.

As former India coach Ramesh Powar observed, “One player can’t win a T20 game alone, no matter how brilliant. You need partnerships” [[3]].

What This Win Means for the WPL Eliminator Race

With this victory, Gujarat Giants leapfrogged UP Warriorz to claim the third spot in the WPL 2026 points table, securing a direct entry into the Eliminator. There, they’ll face the loser of the Qualifier 1 between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

More importantly, the psychological barrier is gone. “Beating MI gives us belief we can beat anyone,” said Wareham in the post-match presser. For a franchise often labeled “underachievers,” this win could be the catalyst for a deep playoff run.

For more on WPL team dynamics, explore our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:wpl-team-strategies-2026].

Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle

The **Gujarat Giants vs Mumbai Indians** rivalry has a new chapter—one where GG aren’t the victims, but the victors. This 11-run win wasn’t just about stats or standings; it was about identity. By combining tactical brilliance, late-order grit, and fearless bowling, Gujarat didn’t just reach the Eliminator—they announced they belong among the WPL elite.

And for Harmanpreet? Her 82 will be remembered—but not as a winner’s innings. Sometimes, even greatness isn’t enough when the other side refuses to lose.

Sources

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