The Gujarat Giants Women (GGTW) opened their WPL 2025 account with a convincing 6-wicket victory over the UP Warriorz Women (UPW) at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. Led by a stellar performance from captain Ashleigh Gardner, the Giants comfortably chased down the 144-run target with 12 balls to spare, marking their first successful chase in WPL history.
Match Summary
UP Warriorz Women Innings: 143/9 (20 Overs)
The UP Warriorz struggled to build momentum after being asked to bat first. Deepti Sharma (42) and Uma Chetry (35) stitched a 50-run partnership, but the middle-order faltered against Gujarat’s disciplined bowling attack.
Ashleigh Gardner: 3/21 (4)
Priya Mishra: 3/26 (4)
The Warriorz’s innings lacked the acceleration needed, with only Chetry and Deepti showing some resistance. Misfields, mistimed shots, and calculated bowling from the Giants restricted them to a below-par 143/9.
Gujarat Giants Women Innings: 144/4 (18 Overs)
The chase didn’t start as expected for the Giants, with both Beth Mooney and Hemalatha departing for ducks. However, Gardner (58 off 35) and Laura Wolvaardt (37) steadied the ship with a crucial 55-run stand.
Deandra Dottin (23)* finished the game in style, showcasing her power-hitting prowess and guiding the Giants to a comfortable win.
Key Performances
- 🥇 Player of the Match: Ashleigh Gardner – 58 (35) & 3/21
- 💣 Power-Hitter: Deandra Dottin – 23* (14)
- 🎯 Bowling Brilliance: Priya Mishra – 3/26
Post-Match Reactions
Ashleigh Gardner (GG Captain & PoTM):
“Very pleased! The bowlers executed plans perfectly, and it’s special to win at home. Priya Mishra’s spell was exceptional for someone playing only her second WPL game.”
Deandra Dottin (GGTW):
“I remembered the finals of the Women’s T20 Challenge and applied similar tactics. We knew they were short by 20-30 runs, and we just needed to stay calm and execute.”
Deepti Sharma (UPW Captain):
“We needed a stronger batting performance in the middle overs. Our bowling unit tried hard, but we missed key execution points, especially with dew coming into play.”
Match Stats
- GGTW’s First Successful Chase in WPL history
- Most times scoring 50+ runs & taking 2+ wickets in WPL:
- 3 – Ashleigh Gardner (most)
- 2 – Deepti Sharma
- 16 sixes in the match – the second-most in a WPL game
Turning Point
The 55-run partnership between Gardner and Wolvaardt laid the foundation, but Priya Mishra’s early strikes in the Warriorz innings proved decisive. Her breakthroughs disrupted UPW’s plans and ensured a below-par total.
Conclusion
The Gujarat Giants Women delivered a clinical performance to seal their first win of the season. While their batting depth and spin strength stood out, the UP Warriorz will need to reassess their middle-order strategy going forward.
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Final Verdict: Giants dominate. Warriorz regroup. The WPL spectacle continues!