UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants, WPL 2024: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) heats up with an exciting encounter between the UP Warriorz and the Gujarat Giants on Friday. Both teams come into the match with contrasting fortunes, setting the stage for a thrilling battle.
UP Warriorz: Riding the Winning Wave
The UP Warriorz are brimming with confidence after their convincing victory over Mumbai Indians in the previous match. Their batting hero was Kiran Navgire, who stepped up in the absence of the injured Vrinda Dinesh and smashed a match-winning 57. The bowling attack, however, remains a concern, with the spinners yet to deliver their expected impact.
Gujarat Giants: In Search of Their First Win
The Gujarat Giants, on the other hand, are desperate for their first win after suffering losses in both their opening fixtures. Their experienced overseas players, including Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield, haven’t fired yet, putting additional pressure on the domestic batting unit.
Key Points to Watch in this WPL 2024 clash
- UP’s Underperforming Spin Attack: Despite boasting a formidable spin attack featuring Deepti Sharma and Sophie Ecclestone, the Warriorz haven’t maximized their potential. They need their spinners to step up and exploit the Chinnaswamy pitch, which traditionally assists spinners.
- Where are Gujarat’s Batting Heavyweights? The Giants’ batting unit has failed to click, with key players like Mooney and Gardner falling short of expectations. Can they overcome their struggles against an inconsistent UP bowling attack?
- Tactical Battles: The match-up between Deepti Sharma and Beth Mooney will be crucial. Sharma has dismissed Mooney five times in the past, and the left-hander has struggled against her off-spin. Lea Tahuhu will also be keen to replicate her success against Alyssa Healy, having dismissed her six times in T20 Internationals.
Prediction: UPW vs GG
The UP Warriorz appear to be the favorites, buoyed by their recent win and Navgire’s impressive form. However, the Giants cannot be entirely written off, and their desperate need for a win could act as a motivator. Expect a close contest with both teams fighting hard for victory.
Additional Information of WPL 2024
- The toss-winning captain has opted to field first in seven out of eight matches so far, with five teams going on to win.
- Spinners have taken over 64% of the wickets in the WPL this season.
- Both teams played two thrillers last season, with both games being decided off the penultimate delivery.
This clash promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams with different objectives. The Warriorz will aim to extend their winning streak, while the Giants will fight tooth and nail to register their first win of the season.
Probable XIs: UP Warriorz vs Gujarat Giants
UP Warriorz: Alyssa Healy (C & WK), Kiran Navgire, Chamari Athapaththu, Grace Harris, Shweta Sehrawat, Poonam Khemnar, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Gouher Sultana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Anjali Sarvani.
Gujarat Giants: Beth Mooney (C & WK), Harleen Deol, Phoebe Litchfield, Ash Gardner, Veda Krishnamurthy, D. Hemalatha, Kathryn Bryce, Sneh Rana, Tanuja Kanwar, Lea Tahuhu, Meghna Singh.
Editors pick
