Gujarat Giants have overcome their chasing jinx as they have registered their first win while batting second in the Women’s Premier League. GG defeated UP Warriorz in their second match of WPL 2025 at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday, February 16 after chasing down 144.
Captain Ashleigh Gardner scripted Giants’ easy win as the skipper slammed back-to-back half-centuries in the tournament. She hit 52 from 32 balls to make for the loss of two early wickets and a slow start. Gardner put a 55-run stand with Laura Wolvaardt for the third wicket.
She was dismissed against the run of play in the 12th over when she pulled Tahlia McGrath to short fine. However, by then, Harleen Deol had got her eyes set and Deandra Dottin also began smashing as soon as she arrived.
Harleen played a composed knock of 34 from 30, while Deandra scored a blistering 33 from 18 as both remained unbeaten to carry the Giants home. This was their first win in WPL while chasing in their fourth attempt.
Earlier, the Warriorz had slammed 143. Deepti Sharma was the top-scorer for them, having made 39 from 27 balls. Youngster Priya Mishra was the highlight for the Giants with the ball as she took three wickets for 25 runs in her four overs. She took the big scalps of Deepti, Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris. Gardner also picked a couple of wickets, while Deandra Dottin also picked a brace. Kashvee Gautam struck once for the Giants. The Warriorz ended on 143 in their first game, however, the target proved out to be less as the Giants chased it down in 18 overs with six wickets in hand.
The Giants are now in second place in the points table, which is led by Royal Challengers Bengaluru currently.
Gujarat Giants Playing XI:
Beth Mooney (wk), Laura Wolvaardt, Dayalan Hemalatha, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Deandra Dottin, Simran Shaikh, Harleen Deol, Tanuja Kanwar, Sayali Satghare, Kashvee Gautam, Priya Mishra
UP Warriorz Playing XI:
Uma Chetry (wk), Vrinda Dinesh, Grace Harris, Deepti Sharma (c), Tahlia McGrath, Kiran Navgire, Shweta Sehrawat, Sophie Ecclestone, Alana King, Saima Thakor, Kranti Goud
