Gujarat Giants delivered a commanding performance in their second home fixture of the WPL 2025, clinching a six-wicket win over UP Warriorz. A stellar three-wicket haul from Priya Mishra and an explosive half-century from captain Ashleigh Gardner set the stage for a clinical chase, as the Giants comfortably overhauled a modest target of 144 in Vadodara with 12 balls to spare.
A much-improved bowling display, coupled with sharp fielding, helped the Giants bounce back from their opening-day defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Contributions from Harleen Deol and Deandra Dottin ensured a steady approach to the chase, while Warriorz struggled without their injured talisman Alyssa Healy. The absence of Chamari Athapaththu, replaced by Alana King, further weakened their batting, leaving new captain Deepti Sharma’s fighting 39 and Sophie Ecclestone’s bowling heroics in vain.
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Gardner’s Second Consecutive Fifty Anchors Giants’ Chase
Leading from the front, Gardner once again showcased her dominance with the bat. Walking in as early as the second over with her team reeling at 2 for 2, she immediately took charge. After an unbeaten 79 in the previous game, she wasted no time in setting the tone, dispatching Kranti Goud for consecutive boundaries in the third over.
Her aggression was most evident against Saima Thakor, who conceded 20 runs in a single over. Gardner launched two sixes in that over, one sailing over long-on and the other deep midwicket. Showcasing excellent footwork and shot selection, she ensured that full-toss deliveries were dispatched with authority.
Gardner’s 55-run stand with Laura Wolvaardt helped stabilize the innings, and she reached her fifty off just 28 balls. A towering six over deep square leg off Alana King highlighted her innings, as she finished with five boundaries and three maximums.
With 131 runs in two games at an astonishing strike rate of 195.52, Gardner emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, reaffirming her leadership credentials.
Dottin’s All-Round Brilliance Seals the Chase
Once Gardner fell to Tahlia McGrath in the 12th over, the Giants required 58 from 49 balls. Dottin wasted no time in shifting the momentum back in her team’s favor, smashing King over midwicket for a six immediately upon arrival. Her ability to find the gaps and clear the ropes proved decisive, as she took on McGrath in the next over with two crisp boundaries.
Harleen Deol played a crucial supporting role, ensuring that the chase never felt pressured. She remained unbeaten on 34 from 30 balls, while Dottin’s quickfire 33 featured three boundaries and two sixes.
Earlier in the game, Dottin made an impact with the ball as well. She struck in the second over, removing Kiran Navgire with a sharp inswinger. Later, just as Warriorz sought stability, she delivered a well-directed short ball to dismiss Uma Chetry in the 10th over.
Mishra’s Game-Changing Over Derails Warriorz
At 73 for 3 after 10 overs, Warriorz seemed poised for a late surge with McGrath and Grace Harris still to come. However, Priya Mishra had other plans. She dismantled their middle order in the span of three deliveries, swinging the momentum completely in Giants’ favor.
First, she trapped McGrath lbw with a well-disguised googly that skidded past the inside edge and crashed into the knee flap before deflecting onto the pads. Though McGrath opted for a review, the on-field decision stood.
Just a delivery later, Mishra produced another brilliant googly, tossing the ball up invitingly outside off. Harris, attempting a wild slog across the line, missed it completely as the ball shattered her stumps. Letting out a fierce roar in celebration, Mishra had well and truly stamped her authority on the contest.
Later in the innings, she returned to dismiss Deepti Sharma, who had been Warriorz’s lone bright spark with the bat. By claiming 3 for 22, Mishra ensured Warriorz never recovered.
Warriorz’s Batting Falters Despite Deepti’s Effort
Asked to bat first, Warriorz struggled to find any rhythm. Navgire and Vrinda Dinesh opened the innings, but both failed to make an impact against a disciplined Giants bowling attack. Gardner and Dottin struck early, putting the batting side on the back foot.
Uma Chetry, who came in at No.3, battled hard but found it difficult to middle the ball consistently. However, she still managed to strike four boundaries in a determined 27-ball 24. Partnering with Deepti, she helped stabilize the innings with a 51-run stand.
Deepti, who had played a brilliant unbeaten 88 against Giants last season, once again proved to be Warriorz’s standout batter. She crafted an elegant 39 off 27 balls, executing her trademark sweeps and backfoot punches to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Unfortunately, after Deepti’s dismissal in the 15th over, Warriorz’s innings faltered further. Saima Thakor and Alana King provided some late resistance, but the total of 144 always seemed under par.
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FAQs
How did Gujarat Giants defeat UP Warriorz in WPL 2025?
Gujarat Giants secured a six-wicket win over UP Warriorz, thanks to Priya Mishra’s three-wicket spell and Ashleigh Gardner’s explosive half-century.
Who was the top performer for Gujarat Giants in the match?
Ashleigh Gardner led from the front with a quickfire 55, while Priya Mishra’s three wickets in one over turned the game in Giants’ favor.
Why did UP Warriorz struggle against Gujarat Giants?
The absence of Alyssa Healy and Chamari Athapaththu weakened their batting, and Priya Mishra’s crucial breakthroughs further derailed their innings.
What was Priya Mishra’s impact in the match?
Priya Mishra’s game-changing over removed key Warriorz batters, including Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris, helping Giants restrict them to 144.
How did Gujarat Giants chase the target successfully?
A solid partnership between Ashleigh Gardner and Laura Wolvaardt, followed by Deandra Dottin’s late acceleration, ensured a smooth chase with 12 balls to spare.
