In match no. 8 of the ongoing 02 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), UP Warriorz and Gujarat Giants will go up against each other at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, on the 1st of March, 2024, at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Following two back-to-back defeats, UP Warriorz, against defending champions Mumbai Indians, registered their first win of the season, while Gujarat Giants, after 2 games, continue to seek their first win this edition.
Squads:
UP Warriorz – Alyssa Healy* (C), Tahlia McGrath*, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Chamari Athapaththu*, Anjali Sarvani, Deepti Sharma, Laxmi Yadav, Parshavi Chopra, Grace Harris*, Sophie Ecclestone*, Kiran Navgire, Saima Thakor, Shweta Sehrawat, Vrinda Dinesh, Poonam Khemnar, Soppadhandi Yashasri, Gouher Sultana, Danni Wyatt*
Gujarat Giants – Beth Mooney* (C), Phoebe Litchfield*, Lea Tahuhu*, Laura Wolvaardt*, Tanuja Kanwar, Mannat Kashyap, Trisha Poojitha, Meghna Singh, Veda Krishnamurthy, Kathryn Bryce*, Sayali Satghare, Dayalan Hemalatha, Shabnam Shakil, Tarannum Pathan, Priya Mishra, Harleen Deol, Ashleigh Gardner*, Sneh Rana
Players to watch out:
Tahlia McGrath
The 28-year-old all-rounder in the ’23 WPL amassed 302 runs from 8 outings, while also taking two wickets from 3 innings, with respective bests of 90* and 1/18. Tahlia was in decent form in the lead-up to the WPL, with a string of starts and wickets to her name against South Africa. However, she has failed to build on it, struggling with both bat and ball and will be backed to find form.
Anjali Sarvani
The 26-year-old left-arm pacer finished as the highest wicket-taker (17) in the Senior T20 Trophy and the joint-highest wicket-taker (10) in the Inter-Zonal T20, in the ’22-23 season. However, she managed only 4 wickets in the previous WPL edition and remained out of action this domestic season. Her figures from her first outing this season read 1/38 (4) and will be relied upon to lead the tally.
Phoebe Litchfield
The 20-year-old left-hand batter, from 8 Twenty20 International (T20I) outings, has accumulated 189 runs at a strike rate of 170.27. Phoebe was in outstanding touch in the away series against India but struggled for runs in the home series against South Africa, and her worrisome form has continued into the WPL, departing cheaply on 7 and 5. It’ll be hoped she discovers her mojo.
Tanuja Kanwar
The 26-year-old left-arm spinner was in fine form throughout the domestic season with wickets and cameos to her name across domestic competitions. Tanuja has carried forward the form into the WPL, registering bowling figures of 2/21 and 1/20, while also stepping up with the bat, scoring a solid 28 in the season opener. The team will count on her to make the most of this form.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Chinnaswamy Stadium is relatively balanced with an average score in the 140s. While conditions are conducive for batting, the wicket also offers assistance to bowlers, both spinners and pacers, as reflected in the average score.
Weather:
The conditions at Bangalore are forecasted to be clear and pleasant for cricket, promising a complete game of cricket. The temperature is expected to hover around 26°C, with light winds and humidity of 39%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield, Harleen Deol, Ashleigh Gardner, Deepti Sharma, Kathryn Bryce, Grace Harris, Sophie Ecclestone, Kiran Navgire, Tanuja Kanwar
Match details:
Date – March 1, 2024
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on FanCode and telecasted on Sports18.