The Women’s Premier League (WPL) continues to deliver thrilling matchups as teams vie for a spot in the playoffs. Monday’s match in Lucknow saw a dramatic upset, with Gujarat Giants overpowering UP Warriorz by a commanding 81-run margin. Previously positioned at the bottom of the WPL standings, the Giants’ emphatic win propelled them upward, leaving UP Warriorz at the foot of the table. Gujarat Giants are now just one spot behind Delhi Capitals, who have already secured a playoff berth.
Opting to bowl first, UP Warriorz captain Deepti Sharma sent Gujarat Giants in to bat. The Giants made the most of the opportunity, amassing 186/5 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to a stellar knock from Beth Mooney. The former captain played an unbeaten innings of 96 off 59 balls, anchoring the innings and falling just short of a well-deserved century. Mooney’s freedom from captaincy duties seemed to inspire her performance as she led from the front. Harleen Deol provided strong support, scoring 46 off 32 balls, and the pair put together a crucial 101-run partnership after the early dismissal of opener D. Hemlatha. A late cameo from Deandra Dottin (17 off 8 balls) helped push the Giants to a competitive total. For UP Warriorz, Sophie Ecclestone was the standout bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 34 runs.
In response, UP Warriorz struggled from the very beginning. Gujarat’s bowlers, led by Deandra Dottin and Kashvee Gautam, wreaked havoc on the UP top order. Gautam’s 3/11 and Tanuja Kanwar’s 3/17 demolished any hopes of a successful chase, while Dottin added 2 wickets to her tally. UP Warriorz were bowled out for a mere 105, the lowest total of the season, with only Chinelle Henry (28) and Grace Harris (25) showing any resistance. Contributions from Uma Chetry (17) and Sophie Ecclestone (14) were not enough to rescue the team.
The defeat leaves UP Warriorz with a mountain to climb in their remaining matches if they are to stay in the playoff hunt. Their next game, against the Mumbai Indians on Thursday, will be crucial to their campaign.
Brief Scores:
Gujarat Giants: 186/5 (Beth Mooney 96* off 59, Harleen Deol 46 off 32, Deandra Dottin 17 off 8; Sophie Ecclestone 2/34, C. Henry 1/31, Deepti Sharma 1/37)
UP Warriorz: 105 all out (C. Henry 28 off 14, Grace Harris 25 off 30, Uma Chetry 17 off 22; Kashvee Gautam 3/11, Tanuja Kanwar 3/17, Deandra Dottin 2/14)
