Gujarat Giants delivered a commanding performance, registering a massive 81-run victory over UP Warriorz in the 15th match of Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
Riding on Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 96 off 59 balls, Gujarat posted a formidable 186/5 in 20 overs. In reply, the Warriorz crumbled under pressure, managing only 105 runs in 17.1 overs, thanks to a stellar bowling display led by Kashvee Gautam and Tanuja Kanwar. This emphatic win marked Gujarat’s third victory in the tournament, propelling them to the second spot in the WPL 2025 points table.
Beth Mooney anchors Gujarat Giants to a mammoth total
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Gujarat got off to a shaky start as they lost Dayalan Hemalatha for just 2 runs in the opening over. However, Mooney showcased her class and took control of the innings with a magnificent knock, playing the anchor role while keeping the scoreboard ticking at an impressive strike rate. She formed a crucial 101-run partnership with Harleen Deol, who played a fine supporting role with a quick 45 off 32 balls before falling to Sophie Ecclestone. Mooney was at her aggressive best, piercing gaps with elegant stroke play and dominating the opposition bowlers. Even after Harleen’s dismissal, Mooney kept the momentum going, finding boundaries at regular intervals. Contributions from Deandra Dottin (17 off 8) and Ashleigh Gardner (11 off 10) ensured Gujarat finished with a massive 186/5 in their 20 overs, putting UP Warriorz under immense pressure.
The UP Warriorz bowlers struggled to contain Mooney, with all bowlers going for plenty. Ecclestone (2/34) and Deepti Sharma (1/37) were among the wickets, but their economy rates remained on the higher side. Kranti Goud (1/46 in 4 overs) had a forgettable outing, conceding runs at over 11 runs per over. Despite a few breakthroughs, the bowlers could not break Gujarat’s dominance, setting up a tough chase for the Warriorz.
Also WATCH: Sophie Ecclestone rattles Harleen Deol’s stumps with a stunning delivery
UP Warriorz collapse as Gujarat’s bowlers dominate in the WPL 2025 clash
Chasing a challenging target of 187, the Warriorz got off to a horrendous start, losing three wickets inside the first over. Dottin struck twice, dismissing Kiran Navgire and Georgia Voll for ducks, leaving UPW reeling at 2/2. Things worsened when Dinesh Vrinda fell cheaply for 1, as Gautam and Kanwar ripped through the batting lineup. Despite a fighting 25 off 30 balls from Grace Harris, the Warriorz never gained any momentum, as wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Chinelle Henry’s late cameo of 28 off 14 was the only silver lining, but it was too little too late.
Gujarat’s bowlers were relentless, with Gautam (3/11) and Kanwar (3/17) leading the charge. Dottin (2/14) and Ashleigh Gardner (1/9) also chipped in as the Warriorz folded for a mere 105 in 17.1 overs, succumbing to a crushing 81-run defeat. The disciplined bowling attack ensured Gujarat continued their impressive run in WPL 2025, moving up to second place in the points table with this commanding win.
Here’s how netizens reacted:
Beth Mooney just doing a Beth Mooney today
Starting very cautiously & slowly before expertly switching gears to finish with the 2nd highest score of 96* in the WPL#WPL #WPL2025 #UPWvGG
— Mohit Shah (@mohit_shah17) March 3, 2025
Crazy stuff at the WPL as we still search for the first centurion of the league.
Beth Mooney was 89 not out with three overs remaining. She faced only four of the next 18 deliveried and ended up on 96 not out.
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) March 3, 2025
Beth Mooney is an anamoly really how does she pierce the gaps so good. Never ecer tries to power hit the ball still can strike at 170-180..#WPL2025
— The Lobster (@CricessOP) March 3, 2025
Well played Beth Mooney . What a spectacular knock that #WPL2025
— Cricket Tamizhan (@CricketTamizhan) March 3, 2025
It’s funny how Mooney’s monstrous knock here is tormenting the Aussies most in the opposite side. Just hilarious #WPL2025
— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻💻 (@lav_narayanan) March 3, 2025
Whooping 81 runs win by GG, gets them to the 2nd of the points table, with positive run rate … #WPL #WPL2025
— Nisarg Naik (@Nisargg_14) March 3, 2025
A proper annihilation dished out by the Giants #WPL2025
— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) March 3, 2025
Kashvee Gautam is the standout emerging talent from #WPL2025.
— Saresh Saha (@CricSar) March 3, 2025
Gujarat Giants Outclass UP Warriorz by 81 Runs to Secure Their Third Win in WPL 2025! 🏆🏏
They rise to the second spot in the points table! 🔥#Cricket #WPL #WPL2025 pic.twitter.com/g0jqho6otp
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 3, 2025
D.O.M.I.N.A.N.C.E 👊#UPWvGG #TATAWPL2025 #GujaratGiants #BringItOn #Adani pic.twitter.com/QyU05pp0Jy
— Gujarat Giants (@Giant_Cricket) March 3, 2025
Also WATCH: Deandra Dottin cleans up Georgia Voll for a duck on her WPL debut with an absolute peach
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
