Lucknow: Beth Mooney, the opener, delivered a remarkable performance in the Women’s Premier League, achieving her career-best score to propel the Gujarat Giants to an 81-run victory over the UP Warriorz on Monday. This triumph enabled the Giants to equalize their head-to-head record in the league, now standing at three wins each in their six encounters.

Mooney, known for her powerful batting, scored an impressive unbeaten 96 runs off just 59 deliveries, featuring 17 boundaries, predominantly struck past the bowler. Her efforts contributed to Gujarat Giants amassing a total of 186 for 5 on the batting-friendly surface of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.

In response, the UP Warriorz struggled to chase the substantial target, losing two wickets in the very first over. They were ultimately bowled out for 105, marking their fourth defeat of the season following a streak of consecutive victories.

Deandra Dottin initiated the collapse by inducing opener Kiran Navgire to edge the ball to Phoebe Litchfield at slip on the second delivery, followed by dismissing Georgia Voll for a duck on the fifth ball. The situation worsened as Kasvee Gautam dismissed Dinesh Vrinda (1), and Meghana Singh had Deepti Sharma caught by Mooney, leaving the UP Warriorz in dire straits at 25 for 4.

From that point onward, it was merely a formality for the Gujarat Giants to secure the win in 17.1 overs. Kshvee Gautam and Tanuja Kanwar collectively took six wickets, while Dottin recorded figures of 2 for 14, effectively extinguishing any hopes for the UP Warriorz in their inaugural home match.

Earlier, Mooney, alongside Harleen Deol, established a robust opening partnership, accumulating 101 runs after being invited to bat on a favorable pitch. Having previously scored an unbeaten 89 in the last season, Mooney dominated the UP Warriorz bowlers, hitting boundaries that made her the leading individual scorer of this WPL edition.

Despite the early loss of Dayalan Hemlatha in the first over, Mooney and Deol maintained an aggressive approach, continuing to find the boundary until Deol (45 runs off 32 balls, including six fours) was bowled by Sophie Ecclestone while attempting a cut shot. The innings also saw contributions from skipper Ashleigh Gardner (11) and Dottin (17).

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