WPL 2025: Mooney's Stellar 96 Leads Gujarat Giants to 186/5 Against UP Warriorz

Lucknow, March 3 (NationPress) Beth Mooney achieved an impressive unbeaten 96 runs off 59 balls—the joint second highest score in the tournament's history—propelling Gujarat Giants to a total of 186/5 in 20 overs against UP Warriorz during the 15th match of the WPL at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.

In the innings, Mooney, along with Harleen Deol, forged a vital partnership of 101 runs—the highest for any wicket in the match—keeping the scoreboard moving and positioning their team strongly.

Gujarat Giants opted to open with Mooney and Dayalan Hemalatha, who had a rough start as Hemalatha was dismissed early by Chinelle Henry, scoring just 2 runs. Nevertheless, Mooney and Deol ensured no further setbacks, stabilizing the innings with their calculated aggression.

Mooney began cautiously, gradually finding her rhythm with singles before unleashing a couple of well-placed boundaries against Deepti Sharma and Kranti Goud. Deol confidently took on the Warriorz bowlers, executing elegant drives and sweeps to exert pressure.

With the field spread, both players capitalized on scoring opportunities. Mooney played exquisite shots down the ground, while Deol was quick to punish anything short or wide. Their sharp running between the wickets added crucial ones and twos.

Despite attempts from Henry and Harris to apply pressure, Mooney and Deol remained composed. A highlight of the innings was when Mooney reached her fifty with a powerful drive over covers, marking the century partnership with Deol. Their 101-run partnership provided a solid foundation for Gujarat before Sophie Ecclestone broke the stand, bowling Deol out for a well-played 45 off 32 balls.

Mooney continued to anchor the innings, accelerating her scoring while ensuring the team stayed on course for a formidable total. She effortlessly found gaps, dispatching Deepti Sharma straight down the ground to enter the 70s.

Despite a moment of uncertainty when she was initially given out by Grace Harris, a review confirmed a no-ball, allowing her to capitalize further. Mooney seized the opportunity, striking another boundary past long on to maintain momentum. Ashleigh Gardner attempted to support her but fell to Kranti Goud after a crisp boundary over extra cover, misplaying a shot.

Deandra Dottin contributed quick runs with an aggressive style, hitting a six over the bowler and slicing a four past point. However, her innings ended prematurely when she was trapped lbw by Ecclestone after a failed scoop attempt.

Phoebe Litchfield tried to innovate, managing a reverse slog sweep for four before falling while attempting another. Mooney, nearing a well-earned century, struck a boundary in the final over but remained stranded on 96 as Bharti Fulmali struggled to rotate the strike. Ultimately, Gujarat Giants concluded their innings at a commanding 186/5, with Mooney's masterful performance being the backbone of their total.

Brief scores: Gujarat Giants 186/5 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 96 not out, Harleen Deol 45; Sophie Ecclestone 2-34, Chinelle Henry 1-31) against UP Warriorz