Vadodara, Jan 23 (NationPress) Former India captain Mithali Raj has criticized the batting display of UP Warriorz following their 45-run loss to Gujarat Giants during a WPL match held at the BCA stadium.

In her analysis, Raj characterized the Warriorz’s chase as a total collapse in both approach and mindset, stating, “This was an absolute batting disaster for UP Warriorz. Early panic set in and it persisted throughout the batting order. After the openers were dismissed, there were no partnerships whatsoever. The batters lacked the intent to remain at the crease, rotate the strike, or construct an innings. Instead, they opted for poor shot selections and unnecessary big hits,” Mithali conveyed to Jiostar.

She conveyed her disappointment with the seasoned middle order, pointing out that players like Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, and Shweta Sehrawat failed to step up despite having the skill to stabilize an innings.

“This middle order has demonstrated the capacity to score 20s, 30s, and even a 50, yet the shot selection in this match was very disheartening,” she added.

Raj also emphasized the all-around performance of Sophie Devine as a critical factor in the comprehensive victory for the Gujarat Giants. While Devine typically excels as an opener, Raj commended her adaptability and calmness under pressure.

“She started off slowly and usually thrives as an opener, but in this match, she adapted to a middle-order position with wickets tumbling around her. She anchored one end with patience, and after her catch was dropped in the final over, she capitalized by scoring 16 vital runs to shift the momentum. Devine was pivotal both with the bat and in influencing the overall flow of the game,” Mithali remarked.

Shifting focus to the bowling performance, Raj highlighted Rajeshwari Gayakwad, who took three critical wickets and was instrumental in dismantling the Warriorz batting lineup.

“The standout wicket was that of Shweta Sehrawat, who was completely deceived in the air. Deepti Sharma misjudged the line and attempted her usual sweep, but the ball kept low. Rajeshwari Gayakwad truly excelled,” Raj noted.

She also recognized Gayakwad’s resilience, commenting on her return after injury and limited opportunities earlier in the season.

“She has experienced being in and out of the team and often didn’t receive full spells. Coming back after injury and missing international matches, she embraced this opportunity perfectly. She herself expressed excitement to contribute, and performances like this in crucial matches validate that sentiment,” she added.

Former India batter Veda Krishnamurthy also commended the Giants’ overall bowling and fielding efforts, which led to a significant victory.

“This win brings immense confidence with the points table being so tight. Everyone was on four points, and this allowed Gujarat Giants to advance. They bowled cohesively, fielded exceptionally, and set intelligent fields that restricted boundaries during the middle overs while consistently taking wickets. They stifled the Warriorz more than anticipated,” Krishnamurthy stated.

With this victory, Gujarat Giants have climbed to the second position in the points table, enhancing their playoff prospects, while the Warriorz have fallen to the bottom.