WPL 2025: Mishra and Gardner excel as Gujarat Giants secure first win against UP Warriorz
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On Feb 16, 2025, at Kotambi Stadium, Gujarat Giants triumphed over UP Warriorz by six wickets thanks to stellar performances from Priya Mishra and Ashleigh Gardner. Mishra bowled 3-25, while Gardner scored 52 runs, guiding GG to their first win in WPL 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Priya Mishra took 3 wickets for 25 runs.
- Ashleigh Gardner scored 52 runs off 32 balls.
- Gujarat Giants chased down a target of 144 runs.
- GG secured their first victory in WPL 2025.
- UP Warriorz scored 143 runs, with Deepti Sharma top-scoring with 39.
Vadodara, Feb 16 (NationPress) Leg-spinner Priya Mishra delivered a pivotal bowling performance, claiming 3 wickets for just 25 runs, while captain Ashleigh Gardner dazzled with a phenomenal 52 runs off 32 balls, leading the Gujarat Giants to a six-wicket victory against the UP Warriorz at the Kotambi Stadium on Sunday.
Choosing to bowl first, Gujarat showcased an exceptional bowling display on a fresh pitch. Priya, in her second WPL match, shone brightly, dismissing Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, and Deepti Sharma during a crucial middle overs spell that saw UPW restricted to a total of 143/9.
Despite Alana King and Saima Thakor scoring 26 runs in the last two overs, UPW managed to surpass the 140-run mark, which seemed unlikely earlier in the match. In response, GG faced early setbacks, finding themselves at 57/3 in 8.3 overs. However, Ashleigh spearheaded the chase with a brilliant fifty, hitting five fours and three sixes.
After Ashleigh's dismissal, Deandra Dottin made a significant contribution with an explosive 33 not out from 18 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes. She was well-supported by Harleen Deol, who scored an unbeaten 34 off 30 balls, including four boundaries, as GG secured their first win while chasing in WPL.
Chasing a target of 144, GG's start was rocky as Beth Mooney was dismissed for a golden duck off a full toss from Grace Harris. Another blow followed soon after when Dayalan Hemalatha was dismissed by top-ranked T20I bowler Sophie Ecclestone.
Ashleigh got into her rhythm, hitting Kranti Goud for consecutive boundaries, while Laura Wolvaardt also contributed with a boundary off Sophie. Ashleigh unleashed two sixes off Saima Thakor, and Laura joined in with another maximum, resulting in 20 runs from the fifth over.
The 55-run partnership for the third wicket ended when Sophie bowled Laura, but Ashleigh continued to find runs, including a six over deep square leg to reach her fifty.
However, against the run of play, Ashleigh was caught at short fine leg off Tahlia McGrath’s bowling. From that point, Deandra and Harleen exhibited solid strokeplay, collectively hitting eight boundaries to complete the chase with two overs remaining.
Earlier, UPW started strong with Kiran Navgire hitting three boundaries in the initial overs. However, the Giants retaliated as Deandra trapped Kiran lbw and followed up with Ashleigh dismissing Vrinda Dinesh cheaply.
Deepti Sharma, making her captaincy debut in WPL, showcased her ability with boundaries in various forms, while Uma Chetry also contributed significantly. Deandra returned in the 10th over, dismissing Uma to end a 51-run partnership for the third wicket.
Priya then took over, trapping Tahlia lbw with a googly and castling Grace with a similar delivery. She concluded her spell by taking out Deepti, caught by Ashleigh at mid-off.
With Ashleigh and Kashvee Gautam taking wickets, Alana showcased her batting prowess with significant runs, while Saima contributed with three fours in the last over. Although she was run out on the final ball, the duo ensured UPW managed a respectable total, but their overall performance fell short, leading to their defeat.
Brief Scores: UP Warriorz 143/9 (Deepti Sharma 39, Uma Chetry 24; Priya Mishra 3-25, Deandra Dottin 2-34) lost to Gujarat Giants 144/4 in 18 overs (Ashleigh Gardner 52, Harleen Deol 34 not out; Sophie Ecclestone 2-16, Grace Harris 1-1) by six wickets
