WPL: The Giants finally pull off the upset

Today, the Gujarat Giants secured their first points in the Women’s Premier League after four losses with a convincing 19-run victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore, thanks in large part to the performances of Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney.

With Wolvaardt playing at her most effortless level and captain Mooney playing at a similarly commanding level, Gujarat at last produced an impressive batting display, amassing a formidable 199/5 thanks to their opening partnership of 140 runs in 13 overs.

Gujarat’s openers, Wolvaardt (76 off 45 balls) and Mooney (85 not out off 51 balls), have struggled mightily in the points table so far, but between them, they have smashed 25 boundaries, including a six. In response, RCB never looked like they were in the game as they only mustered 180/8, unable to convert any of their best hitters’ excellent starts. RCB had lost three of their previous six games, and they were outplayed in every aspect of the match.

Brief scores: Royal Challengers Bangalore: 180/8 in 20 overs (Wareham 48; Gardner 2/23); Gujarat Giants: 199/5 in 20 overs (Wolvaardt 76, Mooney 85*).