Watch Highlights: Mooney, Kashvee, and Tanuja Lead the Way as Giants Register an 81-Run Win

Gujarat Giants delivered a commanding performance to trounce UP Warriorz by 81 runs in Match 15 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. Playing at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, the Giants not only secured a crucial win but also soared from fifth to second place on the points table.

Leading the charge was Beth Mooney, who played a sublime knock of 96* off 59 balls, helping the Giants post a formidable 186 for 5. In response, UPW crumbled under pressure, losing wickets in clusters and getting bundled out for a mere 105. This crushing defeat pushed Warriorz to the bottom of the table, marking a forgettable homecoming for them. Now, let’s dive into the top five performers from this encounter.

Highlights from the match:

Beth Mooney (96* off 59)

Beth Mooney produced a batting masterclass, reminding everyone why she is the No. 1-ranked T20I batter. Having struggled for form in the earlier matches, Mooney arrived in Lucknow with just 84 runs in five innings. However, she turned things around spectacularly, playing an unbeaten 96-run knock laced with 17 fours.

She started cautiously, scoring 23 off 21 in the powerplay, but soon shifted gears. Using her feet against spinners and manipulating the field brilliantly, she dominated the middle overs. Her shot selection was impeccable, particularly in the arc between long-on and long-off, from where she scored 49 runs. She looked set for a century but faced only five balls in the last four overs, finishing unbeaten on 96. Thanks to her brilliance, GG amassed 104 runs between overs 7-16, setting up a match-winning total.

Harleen Deol (45 off 32)

Harleen Deol played the perfect supporting role to Mooney, contributing a vital 45 off 32 balls in a 101-run second-wicket stand. She began her innings with a stylish aerial sweep off Grace Harris and followed it up with some exquisite drives through the off-side.

Deol’s footwork against pace was particularly impressive. She found the gaps with precision, taking advantage of the true batting surface. Her partnership with Mooney provided stability and momentum to the Giants’ innings. She eventually fell to Sophie Ecclestone while trying to go inside-out over covers but had already ensured GG were in a strong position.

Deandra Dottin (2/14, 17 off 8)

Deandra Dottin made an instant impact with both bat and ball. Dottin played a cameo with the bat, smashing 17 off 8 balls, including a six and a four off Ecclestone. Though she fell to a reverse sweep attempt, her quick runs in the death overs provided GG with additional breathing space.

Later, with the ball, she struck twice in her very first over, removing Kiran Navgire and Georgia Voll. Navgire edged one to slip for a golden duck, while Voll’s ambitious drive led to her stumps being rattled. These early strikes put Warriorz on the back foot immediately.

Kashvee Gautam (3/11)

Kashvee Gautam was at her destructive best, picking up 3 for 11 in just three overs. She bowled with tremendous swing and accuracy, making life miserable for the Warriorz batters.

Her first victim was Vrinda Dinesh, who was undone by a sharp inswinger while attempting a scoop shot. Later, in the 17th over, after conceding a boundary to Uma Chetry, she struck twice in successive deliveries, dismissing Chetry and then trapping Gouher Sultana. Her impactful spell played a crucial role in Gujarat Giants’ dominant bowling display, ensuring Warriorz had no chance of a late fightback.

Tanuja Kanwar (3/17)

Tanuja Kanwar’s left-arm spin played a crucial role in wrapping up the Warriorz innings. She was introduced in the middle overs and struck immediately, removing the dangerous Grace Harris for 25. Harris, who was holding the innings together, attempted a scoop but misjudged the delivery and was bowled.

Kanwar didn’t stop there. She struck twice in quick succession, removing Chinelle Henry and Sophie Ecclestone to wipe out any hopes of a lower-order revival. Her disciplined spell of 3 for 17 put the finishing touches on Gujarat Giants’ dominant bowling performance, sealing a resounding victory.

With this commanding victory, Gujarat Giants not only bagged two vital points but also gave their net run rate a significant boost, propelling them to second place on the table, just behind Delhi Capitals. Their next challenge will be a high-stakes clash against table-toppers Delhi on March 7.

Meanwhile, UP Warriorz, now languishing at the bottom, will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to take on Mumbai Indians on March 6 in a must-win encounter to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Loves all things female cricket

Related Articles