All-rounder Deepti Sharma has emerged as the standout performer in this year’s Women’s Premier League (WPL). She has showcased her prowess with the ball, claiming 10 wickets in the tournament, including a memorable hat-trick against Delhi Capitals. Additionally, her batting has been equally impressive, amassing 295 runs in 8 innings at a remarkable average of 98.33.
In Monday’s match against the Gujarat Giants, Deepti Sharma once again displayed her all-round abilities. She delivered figures of 2/22 in her allotted four overs and followed it up with a stunning unbeaten knock of 88 runs from just 60 balls, including 9 boundaries and 4 sixes.
Despite her stellar performance, UP Warriorz suffered an 8-run defeat at the hands of Gujarat Giants at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This loss severely dented Warriorz’s chances of qualifying for the knockout stage.
Deepti received support from Poonam Khemnar, who remained unbeaten on 36 runs from 36 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six. The duo forged an unbroken partnership of 109 runs for the sixth wicket, rescuing UP Warriorz from a precarious position of 35/5.
Their partnership began after the dismissal of Shweta Sehrawat in the seventh over. Despite the early setbacks, Deepti Sharma’s aggressive strokeplay kept UP in the hunt. However, her valiant efforts were not enough to secure victory for her team.
In contrast, Australian southpaw Beth Mooney played a pivotal role for Gujarat Giants, scoring an unbeaten 74 runs from 52 balls, including 10 fours and 1 six. Mooney’s late onslaught, particularly her assault on Sophie Ecclestone in the final over, propelled Gujarat to a competitive total of 152/8 on a sluggish Kotla wicket.
Gujarat Giants got off to a flying start with openers Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney sharing a brisk 60-run opening stand. Wolvaardt was the aggressor early on, scoring 43 runs off 30 balls, including 8 fours and 1 six.
Gujarat Giants emerged victorious with a thrilling 8-run win over UP Warriorz in a match that showcased Deepti Sharma’s brilliance but ultimately belonged to Beth Mooney’s late fireworks.
(Brief Scores: Gujarat Giants 152/8 (B Mooney 74*, L Wolvaardt 43; S Ecclestone 3/38, D Sharma 2/22) beat UP Warriorz 144/5 (D Sharma 88*, P Khemnar 36*; S Shakil 3/11) by 8 runs)
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