At the Ekana Stadium on March 3, 2025, the UP Warriorz experienced a disappointing homecoming, suffering an emphatic defeat at the hands of the Gujarat Giants. The match marked the first Women's Premier League (WPL) game played at the venue this season, and the Warriorz were unable to find their footing, losing by 81 runs.
The Gujarat Giants posted a formidable score of 186 for 5, largely due to the extraordinary performance of Beth Mooney, who scored 96 not out off 59 balls, hitting 17 boundaries. This outstanding performance helped propel the Giants from fifth place to second on the points table. Mooney's innings was not only significant for its run totals but also for the way it demonstrated her status as the top-ranked T20I batter in the ICC rankings.
Backing her up was Harleen Deol, who contributed 45 runs off 32 balls, forming a solid partnership of 101 runs with Mooney for the second wicket. Dottin also provided late-order fireworks, adding 17 runs off just 8 balls, ensuring the Giants posted what turned out to be an insurmountable target.
On the opposing side, the Warriorz had a nightmare start to their innings, collapsing to 105 all out. Their struggle began right from the opening overs when they lost two wickets, including the new debutant Georgia Voll for a duck after only three balls. Deandra Dottin, making her own mark on the game, bowled Voll with a stunning delivery, leading to wild celebrations from the Giants. The early dismissal of Kiran Navgire, also for zero, set the stage for disaster as the Warriorz slumped to 29 for 4 within the powerplay.
Chinelle Henry and Grace Harris briefly held back the tide, with Henry scoring 28 and Harris chipping in with 25 runs, but their efforts were far from enough. The Warriors lost their wickets at regular intervals, and by the time they were bowled out, they were left reeling.
Besides Mooney’s masterclass, another highlight of the Giants’ performance was the bowling attack. Kashvee Gautam and Meghna Singh both excelled during the match, taking three wickets each and putting the UP Warriorz under constant pressure. Gautam’s breathtaking spell left the Warriorz’s batting lineup dismantled and clearly frustrated.
After the match, Mooney reflected on the game, highlighting the importance of finding form amid tough outings. "It was really great to contribute to the team today. We’ve been working hard, and it’s nice to see it all come together. Hopefully, we can keep this momentum going," she stated, echoing the sentiments of the Giants' supporters.
UP Warriorz captain Deepti Sharma, on the other hand, noted her team’s struggles amid the disappointing outcome. “It’s difficult to process such losses, especially when we’ve worked so hard preparing. We need to look at our top order and reassess our strategy moving forward. Losing early wickets changes the dynamics completely," she said after the match.
This defeat has pushed the Warriorz down to the bottom of the WPL points table, having won only one out of their last five matches. Meanwhile, the Giants, buoyed by this victory, have soared to second place and are now positioned as strong contenders for the playoffs.
The match brought excitement not only for its competitive spirit but also showcased the rising talents within women’s cricket, especially players like Beth Mooney and Deandra Dottin who continue to leave their mark. Lo and behold, the WPL 2025 season is heating up, with each game showcasing talents and the competitive edge of women's cricket. The Giants will be looking to build on their recent success, whereas the UP Warriorz must regroup quickly if they want to turn their fortunes around this season.