Georgia Wareham delivered an outstanding all-round performance, leading Gujarat Giants to a long-awaited victory over Mumbai Indians by 11 runs to secure their spot in the Women’s Premier League Eliminator on Friday.
Wareham’s crucial contributions with both bat and ball were instrumental in Gujarat’s first-ever win against Mumbai after eight consecutive defeats.
Coming in during a challenging phase with Gujarat struggling in the middle overs, Wareham displayed remarkable clarity and composure. She scored a fluent 44 off 26 balls, timing her shots perfectly and effortlessly finding gaps. Together with captain Ashleigh Gardner, Wareham formed a pivotal 71-run partnership that shifted the momentum of the innings. The duo rescued Gujarat from a mid-innings
slump, lifting the team to a competitive total of 167 for 4 after opting to bat. Gardner provided powerful hitting with a counter-attacking 46 off 28 balls, while Wareham’s steady strokeplay ensured the momentum remained high.
Wareham’s impact with the ball was equally significant. Bowling tightly in the middle overs, she recorded impressive figures of 2 for 26, disrupting Mumbai’s chase at critical moments. She dismissed Amelia Kerr and Sanskriti Gupta, applying pressure and forcing Mumbai onto the back foot. Her spell kept Gujarat in control even as Harmanpreet Kaur staged a spirited fightback.
Other Performers As GG Beat MI
Sophie Devine set the tone with the ball, striking twice in her opening spell to dismiss Hayley Matthews and Nat Sciver-Brunt, putting Mumbai under immediate pressure. Ashleigh Gardner also contributed with a wicket, complementing Wareham’s efforts effectively in the middle overs.
Despite Gujarat’s disciplined bowling, Mumbai captain Harmanpreet Kaur fought valiantly, scoring an unbeaten 82 off 48 balls. She kept Mumbai in the game until the very end, even hitting two sixes off Gardner in the final over. However, Wareham and her teammates had already done enough, and the target remained just out of reach.
Earlier in the innings, Gujarat had lost momentum after the quick dismissals of Anushka Sharma and Sophie Devine. It was then that Gardner and Wareham stepped up, with Gardner’s late onslaught and Wareham’s timely support helping Gujarat add 61 runs in the last five overs.
Ultimately, it was Georgia Wareham’s composed batting, intelligent bowling, and presence in key moments that saw her team through. Strong support from Ashleigh Gardner, Sophie Devine and despite a resilient performance by Harmanpreet Kaur heped Gujarat Giants make history against Mumbai Indians.
(With inputs from Agencies)
