Gujarat Giants trounce UP Warriorz in resounding fashion
It was not the homecoming UP Warriorz had hoped for when they took the field at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Instead, they found themselves on the receiving end of a comprehensive 81-run defeat at the hands of the Gujarat Giants. This loss sent Warriorz plummeting from third to last place on the points table, while Giants capitalized on the mammoth win to climb from fifth to second. The Giants’ total of 186 for 5 was the third-highest of the season, a testament to their dominant performance. Notably, this was only the second successful defense of a score in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, the first having been achieved by Warriorz themselves.
Mooney’s Masterclass
It seemed that this was not going to be Beth Mooney’s season as she entered the match with a mere 84 runs in five innings, averaging a paltry 16.80. However, the Giants’ faith in their top-order batter paid off in spectacular fashion. Mooney started cautiously, reaching 23 off 21 balls by the end of the powerplay, thanks to a couple of fours off Deepti Sharma. But once the field restrictions lifted, Mooney truly unleashed her batting prowess. She was particularly effective against the spinners, using her feet to navigate the bowling of Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti. Against the pace of Chinelle Henry and Kranti Goud, she consistently capitalized on the short and full deliveries, peppering the straight boundary with precision. Mooney’s middle-overs assault was a highlight, as Giants managed to score 104 runs in the 10 overs from seven to 16—a feat they had accomplished only three times before in the WPL. Despite a brief stint at the death, Mooney remained unbeaten on 96, just five balls short of what could have been the first century of the season.
Deol’s Contribution and Dottin’s Entertainment
Jemimah Rodrigues’ stand-in, Shikha Pandey, provided solid support to Mooney. Parminder Deol, batting at No. 3, also played a crucial role in setting the foundation for the Giants’ innings. Deol’s footwork against the quicks was a standout, as she creamed Henry and Goud through wide mid-off and square leg. Her 32-ball 45 was a blend of aggression and control, and he even managed a 44-run stand with Mooney. However, her innings came to an end when she attempted a drive against Ecclestone and was bowled, ending a promising century stand. Ashleigh Gardner further bolstered the Giants’ total with a 44-run partnership with Mooney. Deandra Dottin, known for her explosive batting, added her touch with a four off Goud in the 17th over and a six and a four against Ecclestone. Her eight-ball 17 was a brief but thrilling display, though an ungainly reverse sweep led to her dismissal. Despite Warriorz’s best efforts to contain the innings, the Giants scored 72 runs in the last five overs, securing a formidable total.
Warriorz’s Floundering Chase
The Warriorz’s batting lineup, already under pressure, faced an uphill battle from the outset. They brought in Georgia Voll, a debutant with a strong record in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), but opted to persist with their regular openers, Kiran Navgire and Grace Harris, with Voll slotted at No. 3. Navgire’s short stay at the crease was a harsh reminder of the Giants’ bowling prowess. On the second ball of the chase, Dottin’s outswinger deceived Navgire, who poked at the ball without moving her feet and was caught by a diving Phoebe Litchfield at slip. Three balls later, Voll fell victim to a wild drive, the ball swerving in to hit the top of middle. Vrinda Dinesh, the next batter, was out to Kashvee Gautam, who found significant inward swing to beat Dinesh’s attempt to scoop the ball. Deepti Sharma, who later admitted they felt the target was chaseable, also fell cheaply, nicking Meghna Singh behind the wicket. Grace Harris, the last remaining hope, struggled to find partners and was eventually caught after a 25-ball 25. By the halfway mark, Warriorz were reeling at 48 for 6, with only one batter in the top six reaching double digits.
Henry’s Brief Resistance
In the face of total collapse, Chinelle Henry provided a brief glimmer of hope down the order. Her 14-ball 28, laced with aggressive strokes, helped Warriorz inch closer to the 100-run mark. Henry’s innings was a valiant effort, but it was ultimately a solitary one. Only three other Warriorz batters managed to score in double digits, and the team was eventually bowled out for 105. The Giants’ bowlers, led by Gautam and Kanwar, who each picked up three wickets, were clinical in their execution, maintaining the pressure throughout the innings. This collective failure to capitalize on the early momentum and the inability to build partnerships cost Warriorz dearly.
The Impact of the Win
The Giants’ emphatic victory not only lifted them to second place on the points table but also significantly boosted their net run rate (NRR). Before this match, their NRR was -0.450, but it now stands at 0.357, putting them just behind Delhi Capitals. With six points, Giants are now level with Mumbai Indians, who have an NRR of 0.166. This win has injected a new level of confidence and momentum into the Giants’ campaign, positioning them as serious contenders for the WPL trophy. On the other hand, Warriorz must regroup and reassess their strategies if they are to turn their season around. Their batting lineup, in particular, needs a revamp to avoid such catastrophic collapses in future matches.
Reflections and Moving Forward
The Ekana Stadium, known for its excellent batting conditions, played a significant role in Mooney’s dominant innings. Litchfield, the Giants’ opening batter, later remarked that the conditions were ideal for batting, and the team’s approach reflected that. For Warriorz, the match served as a wake-up call. They need to address the inconsistency in their batting lineup and possibly consider bringing in Athapaththu, who has been a consistent performer in international T20 cricket. The management’s decision to persist with Navgire and Harris as openers without Athapaththu backfired, and they might need to rethink their opening pair. Despite the setback, Warriorz have the talent to bounce back, and this match will serve as a valuable learning experience. Both teams will return to the field with renewed determination, but for now, the Gujarat Giants sit comfortably in the upper echelons of the WPL standings, a testament to their clinical performance and strategic acumen.
