Beth Mooney played a sensational innings, scoring an unbeaten 96 runs, as Gujarat Giants secured a resounding 81-run win against UP Warriorz in a Women’s Premier League match held in Lucknow on Monday. Mooney’s powerful knock, which included 17 boundaries from 59 balls, propelled Gujarat Giants to a formidable total of 186/5. In response, UP Warriorz struggled mightily and were bowled out for just 105 in 17.1 overs.
This victory elevates Gujarat Giants from fifth to second place in the WPL standings, while UP Warriorz drop from third to fifth.
UP Warriorz faced a disastrous start, collapsing to 36/5 in the eighth over. None of their batters could withstand the Gujarat Giants’ bowling attack, which exploited the pressure on the home team’s batting lineup.
Deandra Dottin made an immediate impact, taking two wickets in the first over, dismissing Kiran Navgire (0) and Georgia Voll (0). Kashvee Gautam (3/11), Meghna Singh (1/21), Tanuja Kanwar (3/17), and Ashleigh Gardner (1/9) also contributed with crucial wickets.
UP Warriorz’s top order struggled against the early swing of the new ball, displaying poor decision-making and technique. The middle order also failed to mount a comeback even as batting conditions eased.
Grace Harris was the only specialist batter to offer some resistance, scoring 25 runs off 30 balls, including three fours.
The Indian batters in the UP Warriorz’s middle order faltered. Vrinda Dinesh scored one run, captain Deepti Sharma made six, and Shweta Sehrawat contributed five.
Chinelle Henry provided some late fireworks with a rapid 28 off 14 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes, and Uma Chetry added 17. However, their efforts were only enough to reduce the margin of defeat.
Earlier in the match, Mooney’s unbeaten 96 helped Gujarat Giants reach 186 for five.
Despite needing just 10 runs for a century in the final over, Mooney could only manage five, remaining stranded just short of the milestone. Her innings was instrumental in setting up the Giants’ victory.
Mooney and Harleen Deol (45) formed a strong partnership of 101 runs for the second wicket after the early dismissal of Dayalan Hemalatha (2). Deol’s 45 came from 32 balls and included six fours.
Mooney showcased her aggressive batting, effectively finding boundaries on both sides of the wicket with her fluent flicks and drives.
Sophie Ecclestone (2/34) was the most successful bowler for UP Warriorz, dismissing Deol and the dangerous Deandra Dottin (17).
