NEW DELHI: Ashleigh Gardner put up an all-round performance, guiding Gujarat Giants to a decisive six-wicket victory against UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League match in Vadodara on Sunday.
Gardner contributed with both bowling and batting, taking 2 for 39 and scoring a quick 32-ball 52 which helped Gujarat secure their first win in the tournament’s third edition after losing their opener to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Gujarat’s bowling attack proved effective after choosing to field first. Young spinner Priya Mishra led with figures of 3 for 25, while Gardner, Deandra Dottin, and Kashvee Gautam helped restrict UP Warriorz to 143 for nine.
The Giants’ chase faced early setbacks, losing Beth Mooney and Dayalan Hemalata with just 22 runs on board.
Gardner then partnered with Laura Wolvaardt to build a crucial 55-run partnership.
Gardner’s aggressive batting included powerful hits against Kranti Goud and Saima Thakor. The team reached 41 for 2 in six overs, with Wolvaardt also contributing with a six. The captain’s innings featured five fours and three sixes before she fell to Tahila McGrath in the 12th over.
Harleen Deol and Dottin ensured victory with an unbeaten partnership of 58 runs off 37 balls, completing the chase with two overs remaining.
UP Warriorz’s innings was anchored by captain Deepti Sharma’s 39 off 27 balls. Uma Chetry and Shweta Sehrawat provided support in the middle order.
Alana King and Saima Thakor’s late partnership of 26 runs helped UP Warriorz cross the 140-run mark.
The Warriorz struggled early, losing Kiran Navgire and Vrinda Dinesh to Dottin and Gardner respectively. They managed only 41 runs for two wickets in the powerplay.
Chetry and Deepti’s partnership of 50 runs ended when Dottin dismissed Chetry.
Mishra then removed both McGrath and Harris in quick succession, reducing UP Warriorz to 78 for 5.
Despite efforts from Sehrawat and Deepti to rebuild, Gardner’s exceptional catch dismissed Deepti. UP Warriorz eventually reached 117 for 8 by the 18th over.
The chase was then successfully completed by Gujarat Giants, demonstrating their batting depth and strategic approach to secure their first win of the season.
