Following the high-octane clashes of the opening week, the focus in WPL 2026 now shifts to a massive encounter on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, as Mumbai Indians (MI) lock horns with a revamped Gujarat Giants (GG) at the DY Patil Stadium.
With both teams entering the contest at different emotional points in their campaigns, the match promises to be a fascinating early-season test in the Women’s Premier League. Mumbai Indians are still searching for rhythm after suffering a heartbreaking last-ball defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their opening fixture. That loss, while narrow, exposed a few chinks in MI’s usually well-oiled unit and left them eager to respond with a more clinical performance.
Gujarat Giants, on the other hand, arrive with renewed confidence under the leadership of Ashleigh Gardner, having already tasted success early in the tournament. The contrast in momentum sets the stage for a compelling battle.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Mumbai Indians have dominated this fixture, establishing themselves as the stronger side in previous editions of the WPL. However, the “New Era” Gujarat Giants look far more competitive than in earlier seasons and will be keen to rewrite the narrative.
- Total Matches: 5
- Mumbai Indians Won: 4
- Gujarat Giants Won: 1
- Last Meeting: MI comfortably chased down 140 against GG in the 2025 league stage
While the numbers favour Mumbai, the current composition of the Gujarat Giants suggests this contest may not follow past patterns so easily.
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Mumbai Indians: Searching for Clinical Finishes
Mumbai’s core strength continues to be their world-class group of all-rounders, which gives them flexibility across departments. However, their opening match revealed some uncharacteristic sloppiness in the field and a slight over-reliance on the middle order to rescue situations. For MI, a key factor will be Hayley Matthews rediscovering her best form at the top of the order, which would ease pressure on skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and allow the middle order to play with greater freedom.
Their bowling attack remains among the most formidable in the league, featuring pace, control, and variety. That said, MI will be keen to see domestic spinners like Saika Ishaque step up consistently, particularly if the overseas pacers fail to strike early in the Powerplay. A more rounded performance across all phases will be their immediate goal.
Gujarat Giants: The “Power” Revamp
Gujarat Giants look like a completely transformed side this season. The acquisitions of Sophie Devine and Renuka Singh Thakur at the auction have directly addressed two long-standing weaknesses: a lack of Powerplay intent and insufficient depth in Indian pace bowling. With Ashleigh Gardner leading from the front and Beth Mooney providing stability at the top, GG now possess the balance and firepower to challenge even the “Big Three” of the WPL.
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The revamped Giants are no longer reliant on one or two individuals. Instead, they appear better equipped to dictate terms across all phases of the game, making them a genuine threat rather than underdogs.
Important Players to Watch Out For
- Sophie Devine (GG): The New Zealand legend has a point to prove. Her ability to dismantle MI’s Powerplay attack, particularly Shabnim Ismail and Hayley Matthews, could set the tone for the Giants.
- Amelia Kerr (MI): After a brilliant four-wicket haul in the opener despite the loss, Kerr is currently the most dangerous spinner in the league. Her duel with GG’s middle order may well decide the game’s direction.
- Renuka Singh Thakur (GG): Known fondly as “Lord” Renuka, her ability to swing the ball under lights in Navi Mumbai could trouble MI’s top three, who have shown vulnerability against early movement.
- Sajeevan Sajana (MI): Fresh off a blistering 45 in the first game, Sajana has evolved from a finisher into a core middle-order pillar. Expect her to take on the Gujarat spinners aggressively in the middle overs.
Probable XIs
Mumbai Indians (MI):
- Hayley Matthews ✈️
- G Kamalini (wk)
- Amelia Kerr ✈️
- Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt ✈️
- Amanjot Kaur
- Sajeevan Sajana
- Nicola Carey ✈️
- Poonam Khemnar
- Shabnim Ismail
- Saika Ishaque
Gujarat Giants (GG):
- Sophie Devine ✈️
- Beth Mooney (wk) ✈️
- Ashleigh Gardner (c) ✈️
- Anushka Sharma
- Kanika Ahuja
- Bharti Fulmali
- Georgia Wareham ✈️
- Kashvee Gautam
- Tanuja Kanwar
- Rajeshwari Gayakwad
- Renuka Singh Thakur
Match Prediction & Pitch Report
The DY Patil Stadium has traditionally favored the chasing side, largely due to the heavy dew that tends to settle in after 8:30 PM. The pitch for this encounter is expected to be a fresh one, offering good pace and carry conditions that should excite fast bowlers like Shabnim Ismail and Renuka Singh Thakur.
Verdict: This match represents a crucial opportunity for the Mumbai Indians to reassert their dominance. However, the “New GG” are no longer pushovers. If Gujarat’s top three Devine, Mooney, and Gardner, fire in unison, an upset is very much on the cards. That said, the Mumbai Indians start as slight favorites, thanks largely to their superior depth and variety in the bowling department.
