Delve into Ashleigh Gardner’s stunning performance as she guides Gujarat Giants to their first WPL 2025 victory with a Blazing Fifty. Highlights and analysis await.
Introduction:
The Gujarat Giants posted a comprehensive six-wicket win against UP Warriorz in their second home match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, fueled by a brilliant all-round effort by captain Ashleigh Gardner and a vital three-wicket return by Priya Mishra. The Giants recovered splendidly from their first-day defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru with a professional performance, overhauling a modest total of 144 with 12 deliveries to spare in Vadodara. See also: Niki Prasad and Arundhati Reddy Shine
Giants’ Early Fumble and Gardner’s Heroics
Gujarat Giants’ pursuit started on a wobbly note with the loss of Beth Mooney and D Hemalatha in the first two overs. Captain Ashleigh Gardner, however, rose to the occasion once more, carrying forward her rich form after an unbeaten 79 in the season opener. She walked in to bat with her team in shambles at 2 for 2 and took charge right away.
Gardner began in attacking style, sending debutant Kranti Goud for consecutive boundaries in the third over. The actual onslaught was in the fifth over when she blasted Saima Thakor for 20 runs, including two massive sixes over long-on and deep midwicket. She achieved her fifty in 28 balls, reaching the milestone with a huge six over deep square leg off Alana King.
When Tahlia McGrath sent her packing in the 12th over, Gujarat Giants still needed only 58 runs from 49 deliveries. Gardner’s 52-run contribution from 31 balls, studded with five fours and three sixes, laid the ideal platform for the pursuit.
Dottin and Deol Finish the Job
Following Gardner’s departure, Deandra Dottin provided the final push. She wasted no time in asserting herself, launching Alana King for a six over midwicket almost immediately. She continued her power-hitting against McGrath in the following over, striking two crisp boundaries and alleviating any pressure on the Giants.
Harleen Deol provided a firm grip, steadying the innings with an unbeaten 34 from 30 deliveries. Dottin, however, blasted 33 off mere 20 balls, lacing her innings with three fours and two sixes. They took the Giants over the line two overs in advance.
Mishra’s Magic with the Ball
Priya Mishra earlier in the match was instrumental for Gujarat Giants in terms of their success with the ball. UP Warriorz, without their normal captain Alyssa Healy and choosing Alana King instead of Chamari Athapaththu, had a hard time gaining momentum at the top.
Dottin struck early, dismissing Kiran Navgire in the second over with a well-directed inswinger and then Uma Chetry in the tenth over. Warriorz were 73 for 3 in 10 overs, and it looked like they were laying the foundation for a good finish with McGrath and Grace Harris at the crease. But Mishra had other ideas.
The leg-spinner turned the match on its head in the 12th over. To begin with, she trapped McGrath lbw with a skidding googly that hit the pad before connecting with the bat. McGrath chose to have a review done, but the umpire’s call was confirmed. Two balls later, Harris tried a cross-batted slog but missed yet another well-flighted googly, and her stumps were shaken. Mishra’s double blow dismantled Warriorz’s middle order and prevented them from putting up a strong total.
Deepti Sharma Leads Warriorz’s Resistance
The only silver lining in Warriorz’s innings was Deepti Sharma. Coming in at No.4, she played a smooth knock of 39 from 27 balls. Employing her powerful bottom hand, she negotiated the field nicely, combining sweep shots with backfoot punches to keep the scoreboard moving.
She was briefly supported by Uma Chetry, who made 24 off 27 balls. The two added a 51-run partnership, which steadied the innings after an early stutter. But Mishra’s spell cut short any thought of a big push.
A late flurry by Saima Thakor and Alana King took the Warriorz to 143, but the score was always subpar against a resolute Giants side.
Ecclestone’s Gritty Effort Goes in Vain
In spite of the Warriors’ disappointing aggregate, Sophie Ecclestone provided them with a flicker of hope through a brilliant spell of left-arm spin. She made the early breakthrough in the fourth over by bowling out Laura Wolvaardt after a close series of dot balls. Her returns of 2 for 16 off four overs stifled the Giants briefly, but insufficient support from the rest of the bowlers ensured that her performance was not sufficient to flip the game Warriorz’s way.
Key Takeaways from the Match
Ashleigh Gardner‘s Supreme Form – The Gujarat Giants captain is WPL 2025’s top run-scorer with 131 runs from only two matches at a phenomenal strike rate of 195.52.
Priya Mishra‘s Match-Winning Spell – Her match-winning three-wicket haul broke down Warriorz’ middle order and was instrumental in keeping them to a below-par total.
UP Warriorz Miss Miss Healy‘s Presence – In the absence of their usual captain and opener, the Warriorz lacked momentum in both batting and leadership.
Dottin‘s Late-Game Power – Her power to hit boundaries in pressure situations made the chase look easy.
Sophie Ecclestone‘s Lone Battle – The English spinner’s tight bowling spell provided Warriorz with a fleeting glimmer of hope, but they needed more assistance from the rest of the attack.
Conclusion
Gujarat Giants’ all-round effort saw them win their first game of the WPL 2025 season. Ashleigh Gardner’s captaincy and destructive batting, along with Priya Mishra’s crucial breakthroughs, were too much for UP Warriorz. With this win, the Giants have got back to the groove in the tournament, while the Warriorz will have to bounce back quickly before their next game.