The eighth match of the second edition of the Women’s Premier League saw UP Warriorz take on Gujarat Giants. The Giants continued their streak of bad luck as UPW won the match by six wickets. It seems like GG are already saying goodbye to their hopes of having a successful WPL campaign for the second season in a row.
Sophie Ecclestone demolishes GG batting line-up
Sophie Ecclestone emerged as one of the most sought-after players in the inaugural WPL auction, ultimately being signed by UP Warriorz for a whopping Rs 1.8 crore. It was a thrilling showdown as Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz engaged in a fierce bidding war for the talented English spinner. In the end, UP Warriorz secured her services, much to the delight of their fans. Ecclestone brings a lethal combination of skills to the pitch, including precision, spin, and bounce. Her performance in the inaugural WPL showcased her ability to consistently take wickets, ending as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 16 scalps to her name. At just 24 years old, she stands at the peak of her career, and UP Warriorz couldn’t be happier to have such a valuable asset on their team. Tonight she proved all her might by picking up a three-wicket haul. Sending Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner walking back to the pavilion. All the while, only giving away 20 runs.
Litchfield and Gardner push GGW to a respectable total
Gujarat Giants’ batting woes continued as Ecclestone catalysed a batting line-up crumble. Although Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney got off to a decent start, the job wasn’t done yet. Knowing the opposition was chasing, GG had to ensure to put up a defendable total on the scoreboard. And if it weren’t for the partnership between the Australian pair Phoebe Litchfield 35 (26) and Ashleigh Gardner 30 (17), GG could have been in deep trouble from the onset. The two added 52 runs to the partnership.
Tanuja Kanwar’s efforts go in vain
Tanuja P Kanwar, hailing from Shimla, is a left-handed batter and left-arm medium pace bowler. She made waves in the 2023 Women’s Premier League auction, securing a whopping Rs 50-lakh bid from the Gujarat Giants at just 25 years old. Known for her standout performances, including a memorable four-wicket haul against Sri Lanka Women and a six-wicket feat against Meghalaya Women, the youngster scalped two wickets. She sent back Kiran Navgire and Chamari Athapaththu while giving away 23 runs.
Grace Harris on a roll
Australian all-rounder Grace Harris has been nothing short of phenomenal throughout the season. The power packed hitter has driven her franchise UP Warriorz to victory more than once in the season. In UPW’s last match Harris played an incredible, match-winning, firepower knock of 38 off 17 balls, when the tide had turned against UP. Tonight, Harris proved once again why she is one of the best on the circuit as she scored 60 off 33 balls, batting with a strike rate of a whopping 181.8,taking UPW to a victory, again.