Beth Mooney, serving as both captain and opener for the Gujarat Giants (GG) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, exhibited remarkable leadership by guiding her team to a competitive total of 152 for 8 after choosing to bat first against the UP Warriorz (UPW). Throughout the innings, Mooney’s steadfastness in the face of challenges was evident, establishing her as a pivotal figure for her team.

Although Beth Mooney’s fifty runs didn’t come swiftly, her innings highlighted her determination as she achieved her third consecutive score of 50 or more, accumulating 74 runs off 52 deliveries, which included 10 boundaries and a maximum. Despite Sophie Ecclestone’s early dominance with three wickets for just 17 runs in her initial three overs, Mooney responded assertively by taking on the spinner herself, amassing 21 runs in the final over.

Shabnam Shakil’s Bowling Brilliance Restricts UP Warriorz in WPL Clash

The UP Warriorz exhibited resilience in their response to GG’s total, particularly led by Laura Wolvaardt’s 43 runs. However, GG experienced UPW’s resurgence as they first took 3 wickets for 13 runs and then further exploited with 4 wickets for 18 runs in the latter stages of the innings.

Initially, Gujarat Giants’ total of 152 seemed modest, but Beth Mooney’s late flourish bolstered their score, making it a more challenging target for UP Warriorz to chase down.

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At the latest update, UP Warriorz commenced their chase but encountered significant setbacks, losing five crucial wickets already while managing only 75 runs in thirteen overs. Key players such as skipper Alyssa Healy, Chamari Athapaththu, Kiran Navgire, Grace Harris, and Shweta Sehrawat were dismissed early on. Shabnam Md Shakil claimed three wickets, with Kathryn Bryce and Ashleigh Gardner securing one each.

In the upcoming WPL 2024 showdown, Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Giants are set to collide for the second time. The eagerly anticipated match 16 of WPL 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Their previous encounter in the 3rd game saw MI Women securing a comfortable victory.In their earlier clash, Gujarat Giants struggled to make an impact with the bat, managing only a dismal total of 126-9 in the 1st innings.

Despite opener Beth Mooney contributing 24 runs initially, Gujarat Women faltered as four of their top batters fell for single-digit scores.The tail-end contributions from Kathrine Bryce and Tanuja Kanwar, scoring 24 and 25 respectively, pushed Gujarat’s total beyond the 120-run mark. Leading the bowling attack for MI Women, Amelia Kerr claimed 4 crucial wickets, while Shabnim Ismail took 3 wickets to dismantle Gujarat’s batting lineup.

During the chase, MI faced early setbacks with both openers departing cheaply. However, Harmanpreet Kaur anchored the innings superbly, guiding the team to victory with an unbeaten knock of 46 runs. Adding to the triumph, Amelia Kerr showcased her all-round brilliance by contributing 31 runs with the bat and was rightfully awarded the player-of-the-match accolade.Gujarat Giants have won the toss and have opted to bat.

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Women’s Premier League: Who said what at the toss?

Harmanpreet Kaur: We would have batted only, we have to bowl well as we are bowling first and hopefully, we will restrict them. This is an important game for us and we would like to do well and put pressure on them.

Beth Mooney: We will bat first. It’s tricky to chase in these wickets in Delhi so we want to stick to the method that we used in the last game. The girls stood up at the right moment and we were happy to get a win. We would like to play with a bit of freedom. Two changes for us.

Playing XIs

Mumbai Indians Women (Playing XI): Yastika Bhatia(w), Hayley Matthews, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Amelia Kerr, Amanjot Kaur, S Sajana, Pooja Vastrakar, Humaira Kazi, Shabnim Ismail, Saika Ishaque

Gujarat Giants (Playing XI): Laura Wolvaardt, Beth Mooney(w/c), Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Dayalan Hemalatha, Bharati Fulmali, Kathryn Bryce, Sneh Rana, Tanuja Kanwar, Meghna Singh, Shabnam Md Shakil