A HALF-CENTURY from Natalie Sciver-Brunt and devastating bowling spell from Hayley Matthews propelled Mumbai Indians to a bounce back five-wicket win over Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Indian Premier League (WIPL) overnight.

A stellar bowling performance from the Indians saw Gujarat fall to 3-16 halfway through the fourth over, and they never recover from there to be all out for 120. The Indians took their time to reach the target in the chase, but still made it with just under four overs spare.

Player of the Match honours went to Matthews, who spun her way to figures of 3-16 off her four overs, while Sciver-Brunt made 57 off just 39 balls with the bat after taking a couple of wickets with the ball.

Sciver-Brunt’s form was much improved on her recent efforts where the English cricketer averaged 14.3 runs with the bat across three Ashes T20 innings, and failed to take a wicket in any of those matches last month.

In her half-century for Mumbai, Sciver-Brunt hit 11 boundaries, and gained support from Amelia Kerr (19 off 20) as the pair made an innings-high 45-run fourth wicket partnership. Opener Matthews hit a supporting 17 off 19 balls – with three boundaries – herself after her economical bowling spell.

It was a terrific bowling display from the entire Mumbai attack, with four players recording an economy rate of under seven, including Kerr who took 2-22 from her four overs. Shabnim Ismail (1-17 off four) also kept the pressure high on the Giants’ batters.

It was a tough pill to swallow for the Giants who were coming off a win over UP Warriorz, but now slip to 1-2 for the season. Harleen Deol (32 runs off 31 balls) was the pick of the batters in a loss, while Kashvee Gautam (2-15 off three) and Kamya Mishra (2-40 off four) were collected multiple wickets.

Speaking post match, Sciver-Brunt said despite the low total her side had to chase, she still attacked the innings like the target was much higher.

“I think give myself a chance, hit straight and take it on like we’re chasing a bigger score. I find that gets me into a really good mentality and still really positive and looking for boundaries. Obviously not too high risk, but just keep looking for those boundaries.”

Mumbai Indians take on the sole undefeated side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday, with the Gujarat Giants not playing again until Wednesday when they face the Delhi Capitals who are 1-1 for the season thus far.

GUJARAT GIANTS VS MUMBAI INDIANS

RESULT: Mumbai Indians defeated Gujarat Giants by five wickets
POTM: Hayley Matthews (Mumbai Indians)
TOSS: Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to field

Gujarat Giants 10-120 (19.3)
Harleen Deol 32 (31)
Hayley Matthews 3-16, Amelia Kerr 2-22, Natalie Sciver-Brunt 2-26

Mumbai Indians 5-122 (16.1)
Natalie Sciver-Brunt 57 (39), Amelia Kerr 19 (20)
Kashvee Gautam 2-15

RECENT WIPL RESULTS

>> REPORT | Royal Challengers Bengaluru 4-202 (18.3) defeated Gujarat Giants 5-201 (20.0)
>> REPORT | Delhi Capitals 8-165 (20.0) defeated Mumbai Indians 10-164 (19.1)
>> REPORT | Gujarat Giants 4-144 (18.0) defeated UP Warriorz 9-143 (20.0)
>> REPORT | Royal Challengers Bengaluru 2-146 (16.2) defeated Delhi Capitals 10-141 (19.3)

2025 WIPL TABLE