NEW DELHI: Gujarat Giants struggled against the spinners on a slow surface, posting a slightly below-par total of 142 for five against the UP Warriorz in their Women's Premier League (WPL) match in Bengaluru on Friday.
After being asked to bat first, the Gujarat team made a promising start with Lara Wolvaardt scoring 28 runs off 26 balls and helping them reach 41 in the Power Play, albeit losing skipper Beth Mooney. Wolvaardt played a fine innings, hitting three consecutive fours off Anjali Sarvani's bowling.
However, after the Powerplay, the Giants went without a boundary for 23 balls, and the departure of Wolvaardt further hampered their progress. Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone was the standout bowler for UP, securing a three-wicket haul.
A crucial 52-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Phoebe Litchfield (35 runs off 26 balls) and Asheligh Gardner (30 runs off 17 balls) added a touch of respectability to the Giants' total.
Litchfield showcased her hockey background with supple wrist movements, while Gardner displayed a combination of power and smart placement.
Despite their efforts, the partnership was broken when Gardner's reverse-scoop attempt was caught by debutant Chamari Athapaththu near short fine leg.
In the same over, Litchfield was run out while attempting a quick single. The direct throw from Saima Thakor beat her to the crease, ending the hopes of the Giants to accumulate quick runs in the final overs.
(With PTI inputs)
