Gujarat Giants (GG) have enjoyed a perfect start to their WPL 2026 campaign with two wins from two games. Both victories came by narrow margins, but one common factor stood out — their batting unit delivered under pressure. On both occasions, GG crossed the 200-run mark, scoring 207/4 against UP Warriorz and 209 against Delhi Capitals.
Their overseas players have played a massive role in this strong start. Skipper Ashleigh Gardner has led from the front, while Georgia Wareham and Sophie Devine have provided key contributions at crucial moments. As expected, these experienced internationals have set the stage on fire early in the season.
However, GG now face their toughest challenge so far as they are set to take on the defending champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), on January 13, at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Historically, MI have been a nemesis for Gujarat Giants in the WPL. GG have lost all seven of their previous encounters against MI and are yet to register a single win against the powerhouse franchise.
MI, therefore, will be keen to extend their unbeaten run against GG. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side began the season with a loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru but made a strong comeback against Delhi Capitals. The skipper led from the front in that game with a match-winning unbeaten 74 off 42 balls, earning the Player of the Match award.
With GG riding high on confidence and MI back in winning ways, the big question remains — can Gujarat Giants finally break their losing streak against Mumbai Indians, or will MI once again halt GG’s batting dominance? The answer is set to unfold later today.
Standings
Mumbai Indians: 3rd position, 2 games – 1 win, 1 loss, 2 points, NRR +1.175
Gujarat Giants: 2nd position, 2 games – 2 wins, 4 points, NRR +0.350
Head-to-Head record in the WPL
Overall: 7 matches – MI 7, GG 0
At DY Patil Stadium: 1 match – MI 1, GG 0
MI record at DY Patil Stadium: 8 matches – Won 5, Lost 3
GG record at DY Patil Stadium: 5 matches – Won 2, Lost 3
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Players to watch out for
Mumbai Indians – Nat Sciver-Brunt
MI’s success in the WPL has often depended on Nat Sciver-Brunt’s form. In the 2023 and 2025 editions, when MI lifted the title, the England skipper played a pivotal role with her consistent all-round performances. She had a disappointing outing in the season opener against RCB but bounced back strongly against DC. Nat scored 70 off 46 balls and followed it up with two wickets, once again underlining her importance to the MI setup.
Gujarat Giants – Sophie Devine
Sophie Devine came agonisingly close to registering the first-ever WPL hundred against DC. The New Zealand all-rounder was in destructive form before getting dismissed for 95 off 42 balls.
More importantly, skipper Ashleigh Gardner showed faith in Devine when GG had to defend seven runs off the final over. With her experience, Devine stayed calm, bowled to her fields, and executed her plans perfectly. She conceded just two runs and picked up two wickets, sealing another thrilling win for GG.
Probable Playing XIs
MI
Amelia Kerr, G Kamalini (WK), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Nicola Carey, S Sajana, Amanjot Kaur, Poonam Khemnar, Sanskruti Gupta, Shabnim Ismail, Triveni Vasistha
GG
Beth Mooney (WK), Sophie Devine, Ashleigh Gardner (C), Georgia Wareham, Anushka Sharma, Kanika Ahuja, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Tanuja Kanwar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh
Also Read: RCB vs UPW, WPL 2026: RCB look to build momentum as they take on UP Warriorz
