Gujarat Giants Dominate UP Warriroz with a Stellar 207 in WPL 2025
Giants' Explosive Start
In the second match of the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025, Gujarat Giants' captain Ashleigh Gardner showcased impressive batting skills, leading her team to a formidable total of 207 against UP Warriroz on Saturday.
Opting to bat first, the Giants began strongly, with Sophie Devine scoring 14 runs in the second over against UPW's fast bowler Shikha Pandey.
After the initial four overs, Gujarat stood at 40 runs without losing a wicket. However, the Warriorz managed to secure a crucial breakthrough when veteran spinner Sophie Ecclestone bowled out Beth Mooney for 13 runs off 12 balls, which included one boundary.
In the following over, pacer Pandey dismissed Sophie Devine, who scored 38 runs off 20 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes. By the end of the six overs, Gujarat had reached 56 runs for the loss of two wickets, marking their third-best power play score in WPL history.
Gardner and Sharma Build Crucial Stand
Captain Gardner and Anushka Sharma steadied the innings, bringing the score to 90 for 2 after 10 overs.
In the 13th over, speedster Kranti Gaud conceded 18 runs as Gardner and Sharma hit several boundaries.
The next over saw Anushka striking two fours, while Gardner launched two sixes against leg-spinner Asha Sobhana, pushing Gujarat to 139 for 2 in 14 overs.
Record-Breaking Innings
Gardner achieved her sixth fifty in WPL during the third ball of the 15th over, helping the Giants surpass the 150-run mark. She also set a record for the most fifty-plus scores for Gujarat Giants, overtaking Beth Mooney's five and Laura Wolvaardt's three.
In the 16th over, Deandra Dottin ended the 100-run partnership by dismissing Anushka, who scored 44 runs off 30 balls, including seven fours.
Anushka Sharma's 44 is now the highest score by a Gujarat Giants player on WPL debut, surpassing Dani Gibson's previous record of 34 runs from last year.
Late Flourish Pushes GG Past 200
In the subsequent over, Ecclestone took out captain Gardner, who scored 65 runs off 41 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes.
In the final moments, Bharti Fulmali contributed an unbeaten 14 runs, while Georgia Wareham added a quickfire 27, allowing Gujarat to finish with a massive total of 207 for 4.
Sophie Ecclestone (2/32), Deandra Dottin (1/47), and Shikha Pandey (1/29) were the notable wicket-takers for UP Warriroz.