WPL 2025 GG vs UPW: In a lopsided contest at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Gujarat Giants presented a clinical show to record a thumping 81-run win against UP Warriors.
With the help of a magnificent unbeaten 96 by Beth Mooney, Gujarat put up a gargantuan score of 186 runs, and despite a late struggle by Chinelle Henry, UP Warriors were bowled out for a mere 105, registering their largest run defeat in WPL history. With this win, Gujarat rose to second position in the points table, and UP Warriors fell to fifth position.
Mooney’s Batting Masterclass Powers Gujarat Giants In WPL 2025
Advertisement
Gujarat Giants got off to a great start after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Beth Mooney displayed her vast class and calmness, scoring an unbeaten 96 from 59 balls.
The highlight of her innings was that she could hit the boundaries, with 17 fours dotting the Ekana Stadium pitch. Though Mooney fell just short of a century, her innings were instrumental in setting a strong target for the Warriors.
In addition to Mooney, Harleen Deol added a crucial 45 runs from 32 balls. The duo shared a brilliant 101-run stand for the second wicket, which formed the foundation for Gujarat’s massive total. Deol’s composed knock comprised six fours, and she, along with Mooney, set the stage for a huge total. The remaining Gujarat batters, however, failed to contribute much, with no other batter crossing 20 runs.
With regards to bowling, UP Warriors’ Sophie Ecclestone was the star performer for her team, claiming two wickets, but even she couldn’t stop the Giants from posting a demanding target.
UP Warriors’ Dismal Chase and Early Collapse In WPL 2025
In a chase of a daunting 187, UP Warriors were off to a catastrophic beginning. The Warriors were left stunned as they lost two wickets in the first over itself. Both Kiran Navgire and Georgia Voll could not get off the mark, and it indicated the start of a disastrous innings.
The wickets kept on falling as the Warriors’ pursuit disintegrated at the seams. UP Warriors were bowled out for merely 105 runs when the 17th over arrived, their worst total in WPL history.
There was no prospect of a chase due to some substandard batting. The top order failed. Only Chinelle Henry and Uma Chhetri showed any resistance-28 runs in 14 balls and 17 runs respectively. Lower-order batters made a brave effort, but this was always out of reach.
The bowlers from Gujarat were on fire, led by Kashvi Gautam, who took three wickets. Two were chipped in by Deandra Dottin and Tanuja Kanwar. Very well complemented by the Gujaratis, the bowlers were under full control of their victims, making it impossible for the Warriors to come back into the game from an awkward start.
Advertisement
Gujarat Giants’ Ascend to Second in the Points Table Of WPL 2025
This convincing performance has lifted Gujarat Giants to second position in the points table with two victories in two games. Their win also boosted their net run rate greatly, which stands at 0.357 now, as compared to their previous negative NRR. UP Warriors, on the other hand, have been relegated to fifth position, with one victory and two defeats in three games.
Mooney’s Form and Key Partnerships
Though it was one of the outstanding moments of the match, onlookers would not have expected such a stutter from the otherwise low-scoring Mooney given how confidently she has hit so far.
By the end of the powerplay, she had only made 23 from 21 balls. But soon after the field restrictions were lifted, she started to come into her own, employing her wonderful technique and placement to stroke the ball for boundaries.
Mooney played into each corner of the ground with various shots and drives, flicks, or cuts- haunting her entire repertoire of strokeplay. The partnership of Mooney with Harleen Deol was particularly significant. The duo added 101 runs for the second wicket, stabilizing Gujarat’s innings after the first wicket fell. Deol gave Mooney a platform to play her natural game, and it was one of the match’s highlights.
Struggles of UP Warriors and a Shortage of Partnerships
UP Warriors’ pursuit was marred by early frustrations and an absence of partnerships. Post the disastrous initial over, none of the batters could regain their rhythm or nullify the pressure from Gujarat’s bowlers. The top-order collapse was supported by a failure of the middle order to contribute. Grace Harris’ 25 runs were UP Warriors’ highest score, but even her knock could not avoid the inevitable.
Gujarat bowlers were merciless, with all of them contributing to the dominating victory. Kashvi Gautam’s three-wicket performance was the best, while Dottin and Kanwar’s two wickets each sealed UP Warriors’ fate further.
Gujarat’s Clinical Performance and UP’s Recovery Challenge
This 81-run triumph of the Gujarat Giants spoke volumes of their emerging hegemony in the batting and bowling department. Beth Mooney’s stellar effort, supplemented with able support by Harleen Deol, resulted in a flawless day for the Gujarat team. Warriors, on the contrary, would have to gather themselves again after suffering the biggest defeat for any team in the league to date.
As the WPL season goes on, Gujarat Giants will try to carry this momentum and improve on this outing, whereas UP Warriors will be looking for a quick comeback to remain in contention for the playoffs.
ALSO READ: Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final Time Table, Team Information, and Live Streaming Details
Advertisement