UP Warriorz have become the 3rd and final side in Women’s Premier League to reach the play-offs in the inaugural edition. Thanks to a 3-wicket win over Gujarat Giants earlier today at the Brabourne Stadium, no other team in the tournament can move UP from the 3rd position in the standings.
Gujarat Giants were coming off a narrow victory against 2nd placed Delhi Capitals Women and today Skipper Sneh Rana had won the toss and elected to bat first. They were aiming to put a safe total against UP Warriorz led by Alyssa Healy.
Tahlia McGrath has kept the chase alive for @UPWarriorz with strokes like these 🔥🔥
Will she get her side over the finish lineâť“
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/FcApQh0PlQ#TATAWPL | #GGvUPW pic.twitter.com/yOZnYaB9my
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) March 20, 2023
Sophia Dunkley and Laura Wolvaardt got off to a good start were scoring at a run rate of 10 but the latter became the first to depart for 17 and soon Sophia Dunkley followed her lead and departed for 23 off 13. Indian top-order batter Harleen Deol did not have a good game as she got out for just 4.
Tahlia McGrrath brings up her FIFTY in a crucial chase đź‘Ź
She's kept the spirits high for @UPWarriorz along with @189Grace as the partnership for the fourth wicket looks threatening for #GG!
Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/FcApQh0PlQ#TATAWPL | #GGvUPW pic.twitter.com/eYpj3c0mD9
— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) March 20, 2023
However, Ashleigh Gardner and Dayalan Hemalatha took the charge and led from the front to reach a respectable total. Both the batters stood for an outstanding partnership of 93 runs and built the base for 1788 runs.
Hemalatha amassed 57 off 33 while Gardner smacked a quickfire 60 off 39 runs.
In response, UP Warriorz after a crumbling start to their innings required Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris to play crucial knocks and stood for a 78 run partnership. McGrath scored 57 off 38 while Grace Harris’ 72 off 41 kept UP alive in the game.
Later on Sophie Ecclestone scored an important 19 off 13 balls to help UP qualify for the play-offs. Grace Harris was awarded with the Man of the match award for 72 off 41.
