In a strategic move ahead of the final phase of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, UP Warriorz (UPW) have brought in young Australian batting sensation Georgia Voll as a replacement for Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu. With Athapaththu departing to fulfill her national commitments, Voll steps in to bolster the squad as UPW push for a playoff spot.
Athapaththu, initially available until February 26, played no part in UPW’s campaign this season. Her departure comes as Sri Lanka gears up for their tour of New Zealand, which kicks off with an ODI in Napier on March 4. Her exit leaves a void, but UP Warriorz have wasted no time in finding a promising alternative.
At just 21 years old, Voll has already made a name for herself in Australian cricket. A top-order batter with an aggressive style, she announced herself on the international stage in style, smashing a century in only her second ODI against India in December 2024. She finished that series as the leading run-scorer, amassing 173 runs at an average of 86.50.
Voll’s performances in the domestic circuit have been equally impressive. In the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2024-25, she was Sydney Thunder’s second-highest run-getter, accumulating 330 runs from 12 matches. Her strike rate of 144.73, coupled with two half-centuries, showcased her ability to score at a rapid pace. She found the boundary with ease, smashing 45 fours and five sixes in the tournament.
With Voll joining the squad for a deal worth INR 30 lakh, UPW will be hoping for an immediate impact. Currently placed fourth on the five-team points table, the Deepti Sharma-led side has had a mixed campaign, winning two and losing three of their five games so far. After a rocky start with consecutive losses, they bounced back with back-to-back victories before suffering a setback against Mumbai Indians on February 26.
In that match, Grace Harris provided a fiery start with a 26-ball 45, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled as UPW managed only 142/9 in 20 overs. Mumbai Indians chased down the target with ease, securing an eight-wicket victory with three overs to spare.
UP Warriorz now turn their attention to their next fixture against the Gujarat Giants on March 3, which will be their first home game in Lucknow this season. With Voll’s arrival, the team hopes to find the consistency needed to stay in the hunt for a spot in the knockouts.
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