Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Giants: MI Hand Debuts to Kamalini & Sisodia, Opt to Bowl First | WPL 2025

Mumbai Indians Elect to Bowl First Against Gujarat Giants in Vadodara

The Mumbai Indians (MI) won the toss and opted to bowl first against Gujarat Giants (GG) in their Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 encounter at the Vadodara stadium. MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur stuck to the tournament’s ongoing trend, where teams chasing have dominated so far. On the other hand, Gujarat Giants’ skipper Ashleigh Gardner admitted she would have liked to bowl as well but remained confident that a 200+ total would be defendable on the fresh surface.

Mumbai Indians Make Two Key Changes, Hand Debuts to Kamalini & Sisodia

Mumbai Indians made two changes to their playing XI from their opening game against Delhi Capitals. They handed WPL debuts to top-order batter G Kamalini and left-arm spinner Parunika Sisodia, replacing Jintimani Kalita and Saika Ishaque.

Both Kamalini and Sisodia were part of the India U-19 squad that lifted the Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia earlier this month, making their inclusion a significant milestone in their young careers. Parunika Sisodia received her MI cap from batting coach Devika Palshikar before the game, marking a proud moment for the youngster.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants stuck with an unchanged playing XI, retaining the same team that secured a thrilling win against UP Warriorz in their last match.

Head-to-Head Record & Mumbai’s Quest for First Win

Mumbai Indians have a dominant 4-0 record against Gujarat Giants in WPL history. However, they are still searching for their first win of the season after a heartbreaking last-ball loss against Delhi Capitals. The match featured three controversial run-out decisions, making it a dramatic encounter.

Gujarat Giants, playing on their home ground, have had a mixed start to their campaign. They lost their season opener to Royal Challengers Bengaluru but bounced back with a win against UP Warriorz.

Captain’s View: Early Overs Crucial for MI

Harmanpreet Kaur emphasized that the first six overs with the ball would be crucial in setting the tone for Mumbai Indians. She wants her bowlers to take advantage of the fresh pitch conditions before the dew factor comes into play in the second innings.

Ashleigh Gardner, Gujarat’s skipper, echoed similar thoughts and acknowledged that batting first might be a challenge, but a competitive total of 200 or more could give them a strong chance to defend.

Match Conditions & Pitch Report

The match is being played on a fresh surface, which is expected to offer good bounce for the pacers early on, while spinners could come into play as the game progresses. The dew factor later in the evening could make it easier for batting in the second innings, which likely influenced Mumbai’s decision to bowl first.

Playing XIs for Mumbai Indians & Gujarat Giants

Mumbai Indians Playing XI:

1. Yastika Bhatia (wk)
2. Hayley Matthews
3. Nat Sciver-Brunt
4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)
5. Amelia Kerr
6. G Kamalini
7. S Sajana
8. Amanjot Kaur
9. Sanskriti Gupta
10. Shabnim Ismail
11. Parunika Sisodia

Gujarat Giants Playing XI:

1. Laura Wolvaardt
2. Beth Mooney (wk)
3. Dayalan Hemalatha
4. Ashleigh Gardner (capt)
5. Deandra Dottin
6. Harleen Deol
7. Simran Shaikh
8. Tanuja Kanwar
9. Sayali Satghare
10. Kashvee Gautam
11. Priya Mishra

What’s at Stake?

For Mumbai Indians, this is a must-win match after their narrow loss to Delhi Capitals. Another defeat would put them on the back foot early in the season. Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants will look to continue their winning momentum and secure their second victory in WPL 2025.

With a mix of young debutants, experienced internationals, and a history of competitive battles, this clash promises to be an exciting contest in the Women’s Premier League.

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