THE Mumbai Indians have created history, defeating the Gujarat Giants by 143 runs to win the very first match in the inaugural Women’s Premier League tournament.

Mumbai batted first and made a whopping 5/207, before Gujarat underperformed and were bowled out for a mere 64 in the 16th over. Gujarat had more problems than just on the scoreboard, with captain and marquee signing Beth Mooney suffering an injury after having only faced three balls with the bat, and having to retire hurt.

For the victors it was a 90-run fourth wicket partnership between Harmanpreet Kaur and Amelia Kerr that really set up the win, and rocketed their score into competitive territory. Kaur was top scorer for the Indians with 65, while Hayley Matthews chipped in with a handy 47 while Kerr saw out the innings to finish on 45 not out.

In response, the batting innings was a total calamity from the Giants, as only two batters made a double figure score as no one could muster up a partnership of more than about 20 runs and five batters could not even made a run. The two batters who did make a double figure score were Dayalan Hemalatha (29 not out) and Monica Patel (10).

Meanwhile on the bowling front, Saika Ishaque was the pick of the bowlers for the Indians, picking up 4/11 from her 3.1 overs. Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Kerr both picked up two wickets, while Issy Wong picked up one.

Meanwhile earlier in the match, Sneh Rana picked up two wickets for the Giants, while Ash Gardner, Tanuja Kanwar and Georgia Wareham each took one.

The Giants do not have long to turn things around, as their next match is tomorrow against the UP Warriorz. Mumbai have slightly longer before their next match, as their next match is the day after against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.