Gujarat Giants finally conquered their ultimate nemesis on Friday night, delivering a high-octane performance to defeat Mumbai Indians for the first time in WPL history.

Gujarat Giants snaps losing streak to seal WPL 2026 playoff berth

After suffering 8 consecutive defeats against the defending champions, the Giants chose the perfect moment to break the jinx, securing their place in the 2026 postseason. In a game that swung like a pendulum, Ashleigh Gardner‘s side displayed immense grit to defend their total in a high-pressure environment at Vadodara. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations in the Gujarat dugout as they officially moved to 10 points, ensuring they cannot be overtaken in the race for the top three. For Mumbai, the defeat leaves their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, as they must now rely on other results to go their way.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s valiant resistance for Mumbai Indians falls short

The second innings was defined by a heroic yet heartbreaking knock from MI skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who threatened to pull off a miracle chase single-handedly. Chasing a target of 168, Mumbai found themselves reeling at 37/3, but Harmanpreet refused to yield, smashing a brilliant unbeaten 82 off 48 balls. Her innings was a showcase of pure power and placement, featuring eight fours and four towering sixes that kept the required rate within reach until the very end.

The equation became a mountain in the final over, as Mumbai needed a daunting 26 runs to pull off the win. Despite the skipper’s best efforts to find the boundary against Ashleigh Gardner, the task proved impossible as the Giants’ bowlers executed their plans to perfection. Mumbai finished at 156/7, agonizingly short of the target by 11 runs despite Harmanpreet’s highest score of the season. This result marked the first time the Giants had successfully defended a score against the Mumbai juggernaut, ending a losing streak that had haunted them since the league’s inception.

Also WATCH: WPL 2026: Beth Mooney departs after Sajeevan Sajana’s jaw-dropping grab during GG-W vs MI-W clash

Tactical brilliance and bowling heroics secure the win for Gujarat Giants

The Giants’ path to victory was paved by a disciplined bowling performance that complemented their historic decision to bat first at the Kotambi Stadium. Earlier in the evening,  Georgia Wareham (44) and Gardner (46) had powered the side to a competitive 167/4, a total that provided the bowlers with enough cushion to apply pressure.

Sophie Devine proved to be the unlikely hero with the ball, providing the initial breakthroughs by removing the dangerous Hayley Matthews (6) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (2) in quick succession. Wareham then applied a suffocating middle-over squeeze, claiming 2/26 and removing the set Amelia Kerr just as the partnership with Harmanpreet began to flourish.

Kashvee Gautam and Rajeshwari Gayakwad also chipped in with vital wickets, ensuring that the Mumbai lower order never had a chance to support their captain’s onslaught. The most crucial tactical masterstroke was Gardner’s own spell at the death, where she maintained her composure during the high-pressure final over to effectively kill the game’s momentum. Despite the humidity making the ball difficult to grip, the Giants’ fielding remained sharp, with Bharti Fulmali and Anushka Sharma pouching high-pressure catches to keep the pressure high. This 11-run victory officially confirms Gujarat’s spot in the Playoffs, marking a sensational turnaround for a team that started the season as underdogs.

Here’s how fans reacted:

There is a reason why Harmanpreet is called clutch. She is always making the tough runs for her team, unlike certain someone. She has so many of such knocks in WPL.

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) January 30, 2026

Undisputed Queen of WPL Harmanpreet Kaur

— arfan (@Im__Arfan) January 30, 2026

Well played Harmanpreet Kaur 👏

When the going gets tough, the Captain gets going 👏🔥

📷- BCCI.#indvsnz #rohitsharma #shubmangill #bharatarmy #harmanpreet pic.twitter.com/1VXgFOn9rQ

— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) January 30, 2026

HARMANPREET KAUR – ORANGE CAP HOLDER IN WPL 2026.

Captain, Leader, Legend, Kaur 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/ipCmxh1yDy

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 30, 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur is easily the second best WPL player ever only behind Nat Sciver-Brunt. pic.twitter.com/d7q7h52M4I

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) January 30, 2026

Hard fought Captain Harmanpreet Kaur 82*(48) 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Snl9kdvFRY

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) January 30, 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur is the real clutch god from India 👑

— Kusha Sharma  (@Kushacritic) January 30, 2026

Harmanpreet Kaur, she should be stopped man season after season, match after match, she keeps doing it.

— Sai (@akakrcb6) January 30, 2026

https://twitter.com/meme_ki_diwani/status/2017289884747346304

Gujarat Giants register their first-ever win against MI in WPL history 🔥

– They qualify for the Eliminator 🙌#MIvGG #GujaratGiants #WPL2026 pic.twitter.com/QXye2j0ds1

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 30, 2026

Also READ: Gujarat Giants shatters 40-match WPL streak in Mumbai Indians clash in Vadodara 

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

NEW DELHI: Shaheen Malik does not call it a victory. When her petition came up before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, the Bench made observations that could reshape how acid attack cases are treated—flagging the need for “extraordinary punitive measures”, questioning why the assets of convicted attackers cannot be seized and auctioned to compensate victims, and stating that a reformative approach has “no place” for attackers.While stopping short of issuing binding directions, the court assured Malik legal assistance of her choice, urged high courts to fast-track trials, and sought detailed data from states on acid attack cases. But for Malik, there is a long way to go. “This is not closure or a win. For survivors, it is only a beginning,” she told TOI on Friday.

In 2009, acid was thrown on Malik’s face outside her workplace in Panipat. Since then, her life has unfolded inside hospital wards, police stations and courtrooms. She accused her employer’s wife and two students, one a juvenile, of carrying out the attack.Earlier data submitted by 15 HCs showed UP with the highest number of pending acid attack cases (198), followed by West Bengal (160), Gujarat (114), Bihar (68) and Maharashtra (58).For Malik, the numbers only echo what her body has carried for years.“For one second, I thought it was a prank,” she recalled. “Then the burning started.” Her parents and brothers rushed to bring her back to Delhi, hoping she would be admitted immediately, but they were turned away. “Hospitals initially refused to admit me unless we deposited lakhs of rupees, saying it was a criminal case,” she told the court. Even after an FIR was registered, she said, nothing moved. “Years passed… The case didn’t move.”What followed was not only physical devastation, but systemic abandonment. Survival itself came at a cost that never stopped mounting.

The corrosive liquid caused third-degree burns and permanent disfigurement, melting skin and facial tissue across nearly 90% of her face and parts of her body. Malik permanently lost vision in one eye. After more than two dozen reconstructive surgeries, her remaining eye still requires lifelong treatment and specialised cylindrical lenses.In 2012, after writing to then Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, she received Rs 3 lakh towards medical expenses. Malik said, “Justice was never about the money. But the cost of surviving is crushing.”Years blurred into each other—endless travel, hospital visits followed by court dates, and a support system that slowly shrank. “I lost friends, connections… everything.”Then came 2025. After more than 15 years of litigation, a Delhi court acquitted the three accused, citing lack of substantial evidence and serious gaps in the investigation. “I was disfigured, visually impaired, mentally shattered—and the people responsible walked free.” That moment became the trigger for her PIL in the SC. “I woke up and decided, this needs a fight,” Malik said. “I could give up—or continue fighting for every woman facing injustice.” She chose the latter not just for herself but to flag what she calls a “structural failure”.Malik spoke of time slipping away. Pleading for an expedited hearing, she told the court the violence does not end with the crime. It stretches across years of trauma, isolation, treatment, hearings and waiting. “I told the SC that the pain I carry, no one else should have to carry for this long. I have given this case sixteen years of my life. I cannot give another sixteen,” she said.

If Malik has one demand, it is not sympathy but sensitisation with consequences. Her petition sought police training, time-bound investigations, fast-track courts, judicial sensitivity and stricter punishment. “Acid violence comes from patriarchy, entitlement. When there is no fear, crimes continue.”Like hundreds of hearings she has attended before, that Tuesday began with cautious hope. She reached early, even though her case was listed for the afternoon. When the order finally came, she wiped away a tear.Malik believes the court’s suggestion to auction assets of convicted attackers is crucial. She said, “Medical care for acid survivors is primary for their survival. No one should live wondering if better treatment could have saved their sight, face, or future.”Acid violence, she said, imposes lifelong financial, psychological and social costs. “If the crime is created by society, then society must step in—not through charity, but accountability.”The violence stripped her of an ordinary future, with marriage out of the picture long ago. She lives alone, often wishing she had a companion. “No one wants to accept you with this face… this disability. I have to live like this for the rest of my life.”In 2021, Malik founded Brave Souls Foundation in Delhi, supporting over 300 acid attack survivors with medical aid, legal assistance, trauma counselling and rehabilitation. But stigma remains. “People don’t want to rent us houses, don’t want to give us jobs. They say our faces bring bad luck. The culprits, meanwhile, blend back into normal life.”Still, Malik says she has purpose. “My work is my life’s goal. If I can ease someone else’s struggle, it’s enough.” She hopes to be remembered not as a victim, but as proof that fighting yields something.“This isn’t personal anymore,” she said.

Thiruvananthapuram: India’s final T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday may wear the look of a dead rubber, but scratch the surface and it is anything but. With the series already sealed 3-1, the immediate result matters far less than the larger destination. Every road now leads to the T20 World Cup, and this game represents India’s final dress rehearsal — the last chance to bring clarity to combinations, roles and intent before the real business begins on Feb 7.

For the team management, this is about polishing the rough edges and turning promise into a well-oiled machine. Winning has been reassuring, but the focus has shifted decisively towards preparation. Against an ultra-competitive New Zealand, India have been able to test depth, temperament and adaptability — precisely the boxes they need to tick ahead of a showpiece event.Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was candid on the eve of the match about the series’ importance in shaping India’s World Cup blueprint. Rhythm, he stressed, comes from time in the middle — from playing across conditions, experimenting with combinations and giving players clearly defined opportunities.“It’s been a very important series for us,” Kotak said. “Before the World Cup, as many days as you play, you start finding your rhythm, your combinations, and you try to give players opportunities. That’s what these games are for.”That philosophy has guided India’s selection calls so far. Kotak underlined that decisions are being made with balance and long-term planning in mind, rather than being driven by short-term numbers. The emphasis is on building a batting unit that can attack relentlessly without losing its structural integrity.At the heart of those discussions is the top order. India are keen to lock in combinations that allow aggression in the powerplay while retaining flexibility for different match scenarios. Tilak Varma continues to be central to that thinking — a batter who embodies the aggressive core India want, but with the adaptability to adjust gears as situations demand.The wicketkeeper-batter slot is another moving piece. Kotak acknowledged the value Ishan Kishan brings whenever he plays, highlighting his ability to keep wickets and bat at the top — a versatility that mirrors what Sanju Samson offers. “Whenever Ishan plays, he tends to bat well,” Kotak noted.“He is most likely to feature tomorrow, subject to final clearance from the physio,” Kotak added.That call could shape India’s batting template, particularly with an eye on explosive starts in the powerplay — a non-negotiable in modern T20 cricket.For India, this final outing is about arriving at the World Cup with a settled framework and clear roles. The jigsaw puzzle is nearly complete; Thiruvananthapuram offers the last chance to fit the final piece.

MUMBAI: The CEO of Niva Bupa Health Insurance said it is the cross-subsidisation of loss-making corporate group policies by retail health insurance, rather than high acquisition costs, that is weighing on retail insurance penetration.Krishnan Ramachandran, MD & CEO, Niva Bupa said insurers need to step up investments to expand retail health insurance and increase its share relative to group health business, which typically runs at high loss ratios. According to Ramachandran sustained investment in distribution and customer acquisition is essential to add covered lives in a market that remains deeply underpenetrated.He said customers who remain with an insurer beyond the initial years receive significant value, with claims payouts exceeding Rs 80 for every Rs 100 of premium collected after the early policy years. “Globally, a medical loss ratio of 75–80% is considered fair value,” he said, adding that blended ratios appear lower only because of rapid new customer acquisition, where early-year claims are structurally lower.The comments come amid debate sparked by the Economic Survey over high acquisition costs and management expenses in health insurance. Ramachandran argued that such costs are intrinsic to a retail-led market like India, where awareness, advice and physical presence are essential. “If the goal is to increase coverage and add lives, companies must invest upfront,” he said, noting that India has one of the highest proportions of retail health insurance globally but remains massively underpenetrated.According to him, the long-term solution lies in expanding retail health insurance coverage. “Health insurance is an essential good. It is the single largest reason why Indians become poor even today,” he said, arguing for wider mandates for those who can afford coverage, alongside subsidies for those who cannot.Niva Bupa has seen health insurance sales accelerate after the cut in GST in October. Momentum strengthened from October through December, and December growth was even better. January also looks very healthy. “All our Q3 numbers are signalling that GST has been one of the key reasons for the acceleration in growth. Q3 volume growth was 29%, while value growth was 15%, which means ticket sizes increased materially in the quarter. This was a sharp improvement over the first half, and GST has clearly played a role,” the company said in its earnings call on Friday.Lower medicine costs following GST-linked price reductions are helping health insurers offset the impact of taxes on input services which insurance companies now have to bear as there is no GST on the final product to offset the taxes on inputs. However, in the case of commissions the burden of GST is fully passed on to agents. The bigger constraint for the industry remains low insurance penetration and the need for sustained upfront investment. Speaking on recent regulatory and tax changes, Ramachandran said the effect of GST on insurers needs to be seen in two distinct parts — commissions and other input services. “On commission, we have been clear and the data has also demonstrated that commission has been passed on,” he said, referring to the input tax credit impact after GST on the final health insurance product was withdrawn from October.On other services, he said the increase in costs due to having to absorb the cost of GST on services availed by the company had been offset by savings on the claims side, particularly through lower medicine prices. According to Ramachandran, another burden on the retail policyholder was the high claims ratio on group insurance policies. “Public data shows that the loss ratio in corporate covers is over 100%”. In effect, retail policyholders and taxpayers are subsidising group insurance for large corporates,” he said, calling this a significant policy issue.According to him, the long-term solution lies in expanding retail health insurance coverage. “Health insurance is an essential good. It is the single largest reason why Indians become poor even today,” he said, arguing for wider mandates for those who can afford coverage, alongside subsidies for those who cannot.Ramachandran said insurers also need to continue investing heavily to build distribution and service capabilities, even if this keeps expense ratios elevated in the near term. Niva Bupa, he said, has invested about Rs 2,800 crore of capital to build scale in a retail-led market. “Without physical and advisory reach, lives will not get added,” he said, drawing parallels with banks opening branches to acquire and serve customers.Looking ahead, he said Niva Bupa expects margin improvement over time, supported by disciplined underwriting and claims management, even as technology and AI-led investments continue across the value chain. The challenge for the industry, he said, is to balance near-term costs with the longer-term objective of improving insurance penetration in a market where hundreds of millions remain uncovered.

Mumbai: A Ghatkopar based businessman was induced with a promise of availing an interest-free loan of Rs 200 crore and was duped of Rs 11.5 crore. The complainant Hitesh Ajmera, has alleged the accused identified as Vivekkumar Sinha, his wife Akanksha Awasthi and others allegedly conspired to cheat him by claiming that Rs 300 crore in cash was stored in a godown in Bihar, and demanded money to “redeem” the said cash. In return, they allegedly promised to provide the complainant with an interest-free loan of Rs 200 crore from the redeemed amount.According to Pant Nagar police, the crime took place between March 2024 and July 2024. Ajmera claims that he came in contact with Shantilal Patel in Jan 2024 through an office employee. Patel allegedly claimed to own around 110 acres of land in Goa and discussed selling the property, offering Ajmera a commission. Patel introduced him to Vivek Kumar alias Abhishek Kumar Singh Chauhan and his wife Akanksha Awasthi. Patel allegedly told him that Vivek Kumar had Rs 300 crore in cash stored in a godown at Bettiah, West Champaran district of Bihar, and required funds to “redeem” the amount. Ajmera was allegedly promised an interest-free amount of Rs 200 crore within a few days if he helped finance the operation.The complainant claimed that Vivek Kumar and Akanksha Awasthi, who allegedly projected herself as a Bhojpuri film artist running a studio in Mumbai, reinforced the claims, prompting him to invest money. Acting on their instructions, Ajmera initially transferred Rs 50 lakh to Vivek Kumar’s bank account on March 22, 2024.In May 2024, Ajmera allegedly travelled to Patna along with Patel and Vivek Kumar, where he was introduced to the purported godown owner, Raviraj Sharma. The victim was allegedly told that Rs 11 crore was required to redeem the cash, and was shown a photocopy of a notarised lease agreement of the godown dated Dec 14, 2023. In total, Ajmera transferred Rs 11.5 crore to Vivek Kumar’s bank account.Ajmera further alleged that while travelling from Patna to Bettiah on July 5, 2024, Vivek Kumar stopped at a sweet shop and never returned. His mobile phone was later found switched off. After waiting for nearly 15 days and receiving evasive responses, Ajmera claimed Patel also left Patna without informing him. He then returned to Mumbai after running out of money.Ajmera said that repeated attempts to contact Vivek Kumar and others failed, leading him to believe that he had been cheated as part of a pre-planned conspiracy.

Belarusian World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 in the Australian Open semi-final on Thursday to set up a title clash with Elena Rybakina.There was no handshake after the match, in line with protocol involving Ukrainian players and opponents from Russia or Belarus. Before the match at Rod Laver Arena, an announcement informed fans there would be no handshake and asked them to respect the decision. Sabalenka and Svitolina also stayed apart during the pre-match formalities and photographs.

Sabalenka moved into a record fourth straight Australian Open final and is chasing her third title in Melbourne. She has not dropped a set at the ongoing Australian Open and will be a firm favourite in the final.Sabalenka and fifth seed Rybakina have now played each other 14 times, with Sabalenka winning eight matches. One of those wins came in the 2023 Australian Open final, where Sabalenka won in three sets.After the match, Sabalenka spoke about the win and praised her opponent.“I’m super happy with the win, she’s a really tough opponent, she was playing really incredible tennis throughout the whole week,” Sabalenka said.There was a delay early in the match when Sabalenka was given a hindrance call for grunting during the fourth game. The decision led to a video review and boos from the crowd. Sabalenka lost the point but regained control and broke serve early in the second set to close out the match.Svitolina said events in Ukraine put the result into perspective.“People are really living horrible and terrifying lives in Ukraine, so I should not be allowed to really be sad because I’m a very, very lucky person,” the 31-year-old said.In the other semi-final, Rybakina beat sixth seed Jessica Pegula of the United States 6-3, 7-6 (9/7). The match lasted one hour and 40 minutes. Rybakina did not drop a set in the tournament and had earlier defeated second seed Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals.

In a historic tactical shift that has redefined the narrative of the WPL 2026, the Gujarat Giants have shattered a long-standing league-wide streak during their high-stakes encounter against the Mumbai Indians on January 30, 2026.

Facing a virtual quarter-final at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, captain Ashleigh Gardner chose to defy nearly two seasons of data by opting for a strategy wasn’t in use since WPL 2024 final. This bold move comes at a critical juncture as the Giants look to secure their postseason future and finally overcome their historical struggle against the defending champions.

Gujarat Giants brave the odds to break landmark 40-match WPL streak vs Mumbai Indians

The most significant development of the night came at the coin toss, where the Giants disclosed a strategy that officially ended a relentless cycle in women’s T20 cricket. For the first time in 40 consecutive WPL matches, a captain won the toss and elected to bat first, breaking a streak that had persisted since the 2024 Final. Every team for nearly two years had previously chosen to bowl first to capitalize on the dew factor and chasing advantages, but Gardner’s decision to ‘set a marker’ has fundamentally changed the game’s dynamic. This tactical pivot forced the Mumbai  out of their comfort zone, as they are now tasked with chasing under pressure in a match that carries massive weight for the final standings.

Also READ: RCB books WPL 2026 final spot: Playoffs qualification scenarios for DC, MI, GG and UPW

The Gujarat Giants’ resurgent journey: Fighting for the WPL 2026 eliminator spot

The journey for the Giants in WPL 2026 has been one of extreme grit, climbing from the bottom of the barrel to currently sitting 2nd on the points table with 8 points. After a shaky start to the franchise’s history, the duo of Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine has finally clicked, providing the explosive Powerplay starts that have defined their current campaign. However, despite their high ranking, the Giants are still in a “do-or-die” battle for the playoffs due to a fragile net run rate. A victory tonight against Mumbai would not only shatter their 8-0 winless head-to-head record against the Paltan but also guarantee them a spot in the Eliminator on February 3. Failure to defend their total tonight would leave them vulnerable to the results of the final league games, making this match the definitive turning point in their pursuit of a maiden title.

Also READ: Top 5 players to successfully defend lowest runs in final over of WPL matches ft. Sophie Devine

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

NEW DELHI: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will hold a meeting of its legislature party on January 31 to name Sunetra Pawar, wife of late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, as its leader, senior party leader and Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal said on Friday.Speaking to reporters at the NCP office, Bhujbal said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has conveyed that he has no objection to Sunetra Pawar taking oath as deputy chief minister as early as Saturday, provided the legislature party formally takes a decision. Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday, leaving the deputy chief minister’s post vacant.“The legislature party meeting of the NCP will be convened on Saturday, where Sunetra Pawar will be named as its leader. Many leaders want her to become the deputy CM,” Bhujbal said. He added that the immediate priority was to fill the vacant post of legislature party leader and subsequently the post of deputy chief minister.Bhujbal said senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare were examining procedural aspects, including the mourning period. “(Senior NCP leaders) Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare are looking into the technicalities of the mourning period and other finer details…Sometimes, there is a three-day mourning period and sometimes ten days,” he said, adding that the final decision would be taken at the legislature party meeting.Earlier, Bhujbal said NCP leaders had met Chief Minister Fadnavis to discuss the matter. “We met the Chief Minister… We also met him last night. We asked whether everything, including the swearing-in ceremony and other formalities, could be done tomorrow. The chief minister said he had no objection. As you know, when a person passes away, sometimes mourning lasts for three days, sometimes for ten days, during which people do not step out. I am not fully aware of all such customs, but these matters are being considered. (Sunil) Tatkare and Praful Patel are also giving their inputs. In any case, a decision will be taken within the next two to three hours.”Sunetra Pawar is currently a Rajya Sabha MP and not a member of either House of the Maharashtra legislature. The Baramati assembly seat in Pune district has fallen vacant following Ajit Pawar’s death. NCP leaders also met the chief minister on Friday to stake claim to the portfolios held by Ajit Pawar.

Mumbai Indians’ season has been marked by experimentation, particularly with their overseas combination. Injuries and availability issues forced changes early on, and the balance often felt unsettled.

Hayley Matthews’ absence hurt Mumbai in the powerplay, where their scoring rate dipped. Nicola Carey, however, made herself undroppable with consistent all-round performances. The dilemma deepened when Matthews returned, leading to difficult selection calls.

Dropping Amelia Kerr against Delhi proved costly, removing one of the league’s best spinners. Carey’s injury before the RCB game, though, pushed Mumbai back to their preferred combination. The result was emphatic.

With Nat Sciver-Brunt, Matthews and Kerr all contributing, Mumbai finally looked complete. Whether they stick with this combination against Gujarat could decide their playoff fate.