Navi Mumbai, Jan 10 (.) Georgia Wareham’s all-round brilliance powered Gujarat Giants to a thrilling 10-run victory over UP Warriorz in the opening match of the Women’s Premier League here on Saturday.
After Ashleigh Gardner’s 50 laid a solid foundation, Wareham’s unbeaten 27 off 10 balls helped Giants post a formidable 207 for 4. She then struck key blows with the ball, dismissing Meg Lanning and Harleen Deol to derail the Warriorz chase.
UP Warriorz’s Phoebe Litchfield fought valiantly with a 40-ball 78, keeping her side in contention. A valuable partnership with Shweta Sehrawat briefly raised hopes, but their dismissals triggered a collapse that left Warriorz at 197 for 8. A late cameo from Asha Sobhana helped reduce the margin.
Gujarat captain Gardner and debutant Anushka Sharma shared a 103-run third-wicket partnership, with Gardner’s quickfire 65 including three sixes in the late overs. Wareham’s explosive cameo, particularly against Deandra Dottin, took the team past the 200-run mark.
For Warriorz, Litchfield’s aggressive strokeplay stood out, but early wickets and a mid-innings collapse undermined their chase. Renuka Singh and Georgia Wareham were the pick of the bowlers for Giants.
Gujarat Giants will look to carry this momentum into their next WPL fixture, while UP Warriorz will aim to bounce back in the tournament.
Brief Scores:
Gujarat Giants 207 for 4 (Gardner 65, Anushka 44, Ecclestone 2-32)
UP Warriorz 197 for 8 (Litchfield 78, Renuka 2-25, Wareham 2-30)
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