In an electrifying showdown at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Gujarat Giants triumphantly secured an 81-run victory against UP Warriorz in the 15th match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. This impressive display not only marked Gujarat’s third win in the tournament but also elevated them to the second position in the league standings.
Beth Mooney was the star of the show, delivering a masterclass in batting with an unbeaten 96 off just 59 balls. Her performance helped Gujarat post an imposing score of 186/5 across their 20 overs. When it was UP Warriorz’s turn to bat, their hopes were swiftly dashed by the relentless bowling efforts of Kashvee Gautam and Tanuja Kanwar, who ensured the team never gained any foothold, wrapping up their innings for a mere 105 in 17.1 overs.
Electing to bat after being put in by UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants initially faced a setback with the early loss of Dayalan Hemalatha. However, Mooney stepped up brilliantly, anchoring the innings with precision and flair. She had excellent support from Harleen Deol, whose 45 off 32 balls complemented Mooney’s innings beautifully. They forged a key 101-run partnership that set the tone for the rest of the innings. Mooney’s capacity to find the gaps with her elegant shots and maintain the run rate was remarkable, even after Deol’s departure. Contributions from Deandra Dottin and Ashleigh Gardner added valuable runs, ensuring a daunting target for the Warriorz to chase.
The bowling side of UP Warriorz faltered against Mooney’s charge, with bowlers like Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti Sharma struggling to maintain control despite taking wickets. Kranti Goud endured a tough day, conceding runs at an economy rate over 11, leaving their opponents firmly in charge of the game.
When the chase commenced, UP Warriorz’s innings started on a disastrous note. Deandra Dottin’s prowess with the ball was evident as she removed Kiran Navgire and Georgia Voll, plunging the Warriorz into deep trouble early on. The plot only thickened as wickets continued to tumble regularly, with Gautam and Kanwar spearheading the demolition. Grace Harris tried to rally with a 25-run effort, but the Gujarat bowlers maintained the pressure. Chinelle Henry’s brief resistance was the sole highlight in an otherwise bleak inning.
The relentless attack from the Giants’ bowlers, prominently featuring Gautam and Kanwar, was too much for the Warriorz to withstand, as they folded well before the target. This comprehensive victory sees Gujarat Giants strengthen their grip in the WPL standings and cements their status as a formidable outfit in this year’s league.
Social media was ablaze with reactions after the match. Fans and analysts alike marveled at Mooney’s ability to adapt her play, and the absence of a centurion despite her near-perfect performance caught eyes. The buzz around Gautam’s emergence as a standout player also dominated conversations. Gujarat Giants’ fans were left thrilled by their team’s decisive win and rise in the league standings, making it a day to remember in the annals of the WPL 2025.
