Daijiworld Media Network - Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai, Jan 13: Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and opted to bowl against Gujarat Giants in a Women’s Premier League clash here, citing the advantage of chasing under lights. “Chasing is always a better option, especially in night games,” she said after the toss.

MI received a boost with Hayley Matthews returning to the playing XI after missing the first two matches due to a shoulder injury. She replaced Nat Sciver-Brunt, who was ruled out after falling unwell. Matthews is expected to open the innings alongside G Kamalini, while Amelia Kerr, who opened in her absence, is likely to bat at number three.

Gujarat Giants were forced into a change with Anushka Sharma missing out due to injury. The batter, who impressed with a fluent 44 on her WPL debut against UP Warriorz, was seen with strapping on her right hand ahead of the match. All-rounder Ayushi Soni came into the XI as her replacement.

The Giants have enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning both their matches so far, including a narrow thriller against Delhi Capitals, and currently sit second on the points table. Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, have won one of their two games but boast a dominant head-to-head record, having won all seven previous WPL encounters against the Giants.

Former India cricketer WV Raman, during the pitch report, said the surface was expected to be good for batting, adding that the shorter boundaries could pose challenges for the spinners.

Mumbai Indians XI: G Kamalini (wk), Hayley Matthews, Amelia Kerr, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Nicola Carey, Sajeevan Sajana, Amanjot Kaur, Poonam Khemnar, Shabnim Ismail, Sanskriti Gupta, Triveni Vasistha.

Gujarat Giants XI: Beth Mooney (wk), Sophie Devine, Ayushi Soni, Ashleigh Gardner (capt), Georgia Wareham, Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Kanika Ahuja, Tanuja Kanwar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh.