Gujarat Giants clinched their first victory of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 with a commanding six-wicket win over UP Warriorz. Ashleigh Gardner delivered a match-winning performance, smashing 52 off 32 balls and claiming two crucial wickets to anchor Gujarat’s successful chase of UP Warriorz’ 143/9. This also marked Gujarat Giants’ first successful run-chase in WPL history.

Strong Start with the Ball

Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Gujarat Giants made an immediate impact. Deandra Dottin removed Kiran Navgire in the second over after she had struck three early boundaries. Gardner then showcased her bowling prowess by dismissing Vrinda Dinesh, who misjudged a sweep shot.

Despite a steady stand between Uma Chetry and Deepti Sharma, Dottin broke their partnership at the halfway mark. Young leg-spinner Priya Mishra further dismantled the UP Warriorz lineup with a game-changing over, removing Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris in quick succession. She later dismissed Deepti Sharma in the 15th over, restricting Warriorz to just over 100 runs.

Late cameos from Shweta Sehrawat (16 off 18), Alana King (19* off 14), and Saima Thakor (15 off 7) helped UP Warriorz reach 143/9 in 20 overs. Mishra was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3/25, while Dottin contributed with 2/34.

Gardner Leads Gujarat’s Fightback

UP Warriorz had a dream start with the ball, dismissing Beth Mooney and Dayalan Hemalatha for ducks within two overs. However, Laura Wolvaardt and Gardner stabilized Gujarat’s innings, taking the team past 50 by the eighth over.

Sophie Ecclestone brought UP Warriorz back into the game by knocking over Wolvaardt’s stumps, reducing Gujarat to 57/3. However, Gardner, alongside Harleen Deol, counterattacked aggressively. The duo targeted Alana King’s over, plundering 17 runs and shifting momentum. Gardner reached her half-century, becoming the first player to score 50+ runs and take two wickets in a single WPL match for the third time.

Dottin and Deol Seal the Victory

Gardner’s brilliant innings ended in the 12th over, courtesy of McGrath, but Deandra Dottin ensured Gujarat Giants stayed on course. She built an unbeaten 58-run stand with Harleen Deol, guiding the team home with 12 balls to spare. Dottin’s fearless hitting, especially against King and McGrath, proved decisive. Deol played a crucial supporting role, sealing the win in the 18th over.

With this triumph, Gujarat Giants opened their account in WPL 2025, displaying resilience and tactical acumen.

Brief Scores:

UP Warriorz 143/9 in 20 overs (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*, Deandra Dottin 33*) by 6 wickets.