The ongoing 02 edition of the Women’s Premier League is at its business end and match no. 18 will feature a face-off between Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz at the Shri Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. The game is scheduled for 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on the 11th of March, 2024.
While the Giants managed a win following four straight losses, they again suffered a stunning defeat in their most recent game and are out of qualification contention. On the other hand, the Warriorz have to win this final league game to keep their hopes alive and also hope for the Royal Challengers Bangalore to lose their games.
Squads:
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, Bharati Fulmali, Ashleigh Gardner*, Sneh Rana
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, Uma Chetry, Poonam Khemnar, Soppadhandi Yashasri, Gouher Sultana, Danni Wyatt*
Players to watch out:
Beth Mooney
The 30-year-old keeper-batter, striking at 145.51, has accumulated 211 runs from 6 outings this WPL. Beth kicked off her campaign with a 24 but failed to build on it, departing on scores of 8, 16, and 12. However, she’s back amongst runs, scoring 85* and 66 in her previous couple of games. The team will count on the seasoned campaigner to make the most of this return to form.
Shabnam Shakil
The 16-year-old pacer, in late 2022 and early 2023, played a lot of Under 19 cricket and also featured in a couple of games at the U19 World Cup. Shabnam debuted this WPL season with the Giants, returning figures of 0/27 (3), and in the following game, bagged her maiden wicket, finishing with figures of 1/31 (3). She has looked promising and will be backed to excel in the remaining games.
Deepti Sharma
The 26-year-old all-rounder, from 7 WPL appearances this summer, has added 207 runs to the tally, while also claiming 8 wickets. Deepti in her previous couple of batting outings has notched up consecutive fifties, while with the ball, in her most recent outing, picked up a hat-trick en route to a 4-fer. It’ll be expected of her to capitalize on this form, delivering the goods.
Saima Thakor
The 27-year-old pacer, following an outstanding domestic summer, has made her mark in the WPL, debuting with the UP Warriorz this edition. While Saima finished wicketless on debut, she followed up with figures of 1/19 (2) and 2/30 (4). It’ll be hoped she continues forward with this momentum and can also be trusted to chip in with the bat.
Pitch:
The 22-yard strip at Shri Arun Jaitley Stadium is relatively balanced with an average score in the 140s. While conditions are conducive for batting, the wicket also offers assistance to both pacers and spinners, as reflected in the average score.
Weather:
With light winds, humidity at 40%, and the temperature expected to be around 25°C, the conditions are favorable for a game in Delhi. The overhead will be clear, and there’s minimal chance of rain, promising a complete game of cricket.
Fantasy playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield, Laura Wolvaardt, Dayalan Hemalatha, Grace Harris, Ashleigh Gardner, Chamari Athapaththu, Deepti Sharma, Sophie Ecclestone, Tanuja Kanwar, Saima Thakor
Match details:
Date – March 11, 2024
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – Shri Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on Jio Cinema and telecasted on Sports18.