The sixth match Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 officially kicked off tonight, January 13, 2026, with a high-stakes showdown between the two heavyweights at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to field first, finding the heavy dew to be a critical factor in favoring the chasing side.
The match marks a major change in team dynamics, with both sides losing iconic veterans and missing out on new talent. The Gujarat Giants (GG) entered the fray with a bold, aggressive-heavy lineup, looking to end their winless streak against the reigning champions. Meanwhile, Mumbai will be looking to maintain their dominance despite being forced into late changes in their starting line-up.
WPL 2026, MI-W vs GG-W: Why star all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt is out
Dealing a significant blow to the reigning champions moments before the toss, Mumbai brought out their star. England thoroughly Nat Sciver-Brunt would miss the collision. Captain Harmanpreet confirmed that Sciver-Brunt, who has been the ‘engine’ of MI’s success in the past three seasons and scored 70 in the previous game, was ruled out after picking up a minor strain during the warm-up.
His absence forced a tactical change that led to the return of the West Indies superstar Hayley Matthewswho returned to the XI after recovering from an illness that kept him out of the season opener. Apart from his cricketing contributions, Sciver-Brunt’s presence in the middle order is a big loss for Mumbai as he has helped stabilize their innings in high-pressure games. Team management expressed hope for a speedy recovery, but tonight the onus rested on the team’s remaining veteran core. Hayley Matthews and Amelia Kerr To fill the huge void left by the England superstar.
“Now Hayley’s at the back, she’s fit, so hopefully we’ll touch that area as well. Unfortunately Nat (Sciver-Brunt) isn’t well today, so Hayley’s at the back instead.” Harmanpreet said during the shoot.
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WPL 2026, MI vs GG: Reason for star all-rounder Anushka Sharma’s absence
By inflicting a significant blow on Gujarat moments before the toss, the franchise revealed that they had spoiled their teenage sensation. Anushka Sharma He missed the decisive match. captain Ashley Gardner Sharma, who ignited the tournament with a brilliant 44 on debut against, confirmed. UP Warriorshe was sidelined due to a slight injury in the team’s last practice.
“A team change today. Unfortunately Anushka is out due to injury and Ayushi is making her debut today.” Gardner said.
His absence forced a tactical reshuffle that led to a WPL debut for the local recruit. Ayushi Sonistepping in to provide stability in the middle order. Apart from the final run score, Sharma’s fearless approach at No.3 has become an important component of Gujarat’s aggressive new identity this season. Team management said they hoped he would make a speedy recovery, but tonight the onus shifted to the experienced first team. Sophie Devine and Gardner to anchor the innings and fill the void left by the young Indian star.
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
