The thrilling competition between Mumbai Indians Women and Gujarat Giants Women in Match 19 of WPL 2025 delivered an intense game for spectators to enjoy. Mumbai Indians kept their distance from defeat by winning with nine runs by engineering a dramatic last-over finish.
Mithali Raj, a former Indian captain, offered commentary on Bharti Fulmali’s incredible 61-run knock off 25 balls. She commended Fulmali for increasing her range and using the WPL as the ideal setting to improve her batting skills. After a top-order collapse, Mithali praised Fulmali and Simran Shaikh’s efforts to lead their team to victory.
“I think credit goes to Bharti Fulmali for bringing Gujarat Giants back into the game with the way she played her shots, timing them beautifully. Earlier, she was a one-dimensional player who primarily scored runs on the on-side. But today, we saw her hitting sixes straight over the bowler’s head and finding boundaries square of the wicket as well. She has definitely improved, and I believe her experience in the Women’s Premier League has helped her develop and expand her skillset. We also saw Simran Shaikh contribute with a couple of big hits, taking the game deep and getting Gujarat Giants closer. Both of them played really well,” shared Mithali Raj on JioHotstar’s Amul Cricket Live.
Mithali said that the more experience in Mumbai’s unit was what enabled them to exit the game as winners.
“After losing their key middle-order batters, especially after Phoebe Litchfield’s dismissal, Bharti Fulmali and Simran Shaikh stepped up. Fulmali, in particular, was the dominant partner, scoring crucial runs. When she got out, it seemed like the end for Gujarat Giants. However, Simran Shaikh’s cameo and that unexpected shot from Tanuja Kanwar took me by surprise. Both of them tried to turn the game in Gujarat Giants’ favor. In the end, the experience within the Mumbai Indians’ camp really made the difference today.”
Mithali Raj
The former player who is now a broadcaster was taken aback by Mumbai’s on-field shortcomings.
“There were dropped catches, which is something you don’t often see from Mumbai Indians. There was a lot of chaos on the field – missed run-outs, Gujarat Giants’ batters managing to steal extra runs – so there was plenty of action from both sides. For a team like Mumbai Indians, with such experienced players, you wouldn’t expect these errors. But in the end, it was all part of the entertainment for us.”
Mithali Raj
Yastika Bhatia Hails Harmanpreet Kaur’s Leadership
Yastika Bhatia from Mumbai explained that her team focused on developing a process-based strategy. At critical times during the game Harmanpreet Kaur maintained her composure in giving calls which Yastika Bhatia highly praised.
“We are taking it one step at a time, and we are so close now. We’re not thinking about the results, but at the same time, we need to stick to the process. If we play well tomorrow, we will win. Harmanpreet, as a captain, is really great. She remains very calm while making decisions. From the outside, you might see a bit of aggression, but she knows exactly what she’s doing. We are lucky to have a leader like her.”
Yastika Bhatia
Mumbai can reach the final matchup by obtaining direct qualification through their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women on March 11. The victory of Mumbai will lead to an Eliminator matchup between Delhi Capitals Women and Gujarat.
