Gujarat Giants handed UP Warriorz a crushing 81-run defeat to move up to second in the Women’s Premier League table. Beth Mooney starred with an incredible 96*, and Gujarat’s bowlers tore through UPW’s batting order with clinical efficiency.
Batting first, Gujarat Giants put up a strong score, driven by Mooney’s destructive innings. She was in sublime form, lashing the boundary with 16 fours. Harleen Deol also played a vital part, scoring a smooth 45 off 32 balls, providing stability to the innings. Inputs from Deandra Dottin (17 off 8) and Ashleigh Gardner (11 off 10) helped Gujarat finish on a high.
UP Warriorz found it difficult to hold back Gujarat’s attacking batting. Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone took important wickets, but they were unable to stop the rampage. Ecclestone’s removal of Deol and Dottin’s LBW call after a review were isolated positives in an otherwise challenging bowling performance for UPW.
Pursuing 200, UP Warriorz folded under pressure. They lost initial wickets, with Hemalatha walking back for mere 2 runs after edging one to the keeper. The slide continued as Richa Ghosh, Kanika Ahuja, and Raghvi Bist were unable to make the most of starts. Deepti Sharma’s dismissal of Phoebe Litchfield for 8 added to UPW’s woes, leaving them with a mountainous task.
Gujarat’s bowling did not let up, with Ecclestone spearheading the attack by taking key wickets. Kranti Goud and Deepti Sharma resisted but Gujarat’s systematic approach allowed for no comeback from the Warriorz. The match ended with Gujarat securing a comprehensive win, showcasing their prowess in batting as well as bowling.
With this impressive victory, Gujarat Giants are second in the points table now, and their playoff chances have improved greatly. UP Warriorz, on the other hand, need to regroup at lightning speed as they try to remain competitive. The WPL continues unabated, with each game adding to the intensity and determination in the battle for the playoffs.
Edited By- Anusmriti Ganguly
