WPL: Mumbai Indians opt to bowl against Gujarat Giants; Hayley Matthews returns

Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to bowl first against Gujarat Giants in their Women’s Premier League clash at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, citing the impact of dew in evening games.

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“We’re going to bowl first. I believe in dew, and especially when you’re playing late games, chasing is always a better option,” Harmanpreet said at the toss. She added that MI’s bowlers have been executing their plans well and stressed the importance of a positive approach in the powerplay. “Now Hayley’s back and she’s fit, so hopefully we’ll click in that area as well,” she said, while confirming that Nat Sciver-Brunt missed out due to injury.

Mumbai were bolstered by the return of Hayley Matthews, who is making her first appearance of the season and replaces Sciver-Brunt in the XI.

Gujarat Giants captain Ashleigh Gardner, who lost the toss, said her side was prepared for the challenge of batting first on a ground known to favour chasing teams. “The powerplay has been huge for us. Sophie and Moons have so much experience batting together, and it’s been really pleasing to see that combination work,” Gardner said.

Gardner also highlighted the importance of Indian players stepping up during the tournament. “Overseas players add a lot of experience, but the Indian players are the ones who win you tournaments. They’ve been fantastic for us,” she added. Gujarat were forced into one change, with Anushka Sharma ruled out due to injury and Ayushi Soni handed her WPL debut.

With both teams boasting strong line-ups and multiple match-winners, the contest promises an exciting clash as Mumbai look to build momentum and Gujarat aim to continue their impressive run.

WPL 2026: MI vs GG playing XIs

Mumbai Indians: Hayley Matthews, G Kamalini(w), Amelia Kerr, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Nicola Carey, Sajeevan Sajana, Amanjot Kaur, Sanskriti Gupta, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Triveni Vasistha

Gujarat Giants: Beth Mooney(w), Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner(c), Georgia Wareham, Bharti Fulmali, Ayushi Soni, Kanika Ahuja, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur