When Georgia Voll stepped in as a replacement for Chamari Athapaththu at UP Warriorz for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, few could have predicted the immediate impact she would have. In just three matches, the young Australian batter left an indelible mark, showcasing her class and composure under pressure. Though her debut was forgettable, a three-ball duck, Voll wasted no time in making amends.
She followed up with a fluent half-century in her second outing before delivering a breathtaking, unbeaten 99 in UP’s final match against RCB. Her knock powered the team to a record 225/5, their highest-ever total in the Women’s Premier League, cementing her status as one of the most exciting rising stars in the tournament.
She blazed her way to 99 off just 56 balls, peppering the field with 17 fours and a six, crafting partnerships that set the stage for UP’s highest total. As the final over approached, all eyes were on Voll, who stood on the brink of a maiden WPL century. Needing two runs off the last ball, she could only manage a single, falling heartbreakingly short of the milestone.
In conversation with fellow newcomer Chinelle Henry after the match, Voll acknowledged the slight sting of missing out on a century but remained focused on the bigger picture, UP Warriorz’s victory.
She admitted that she did think about where she could have picked up those extra runs during the innings but ultimately took responsibility for not reaching the milestone. “Obviously, you sort of think where you could have got that one or two more runs,” she said, before conceding, “I probably had the opportunity to score that last one, and I didn’t do it. So, it’s all my fault.”
Reflecting on the key moment early in RCB’s chase, Voll acknowledged the importance of dismissing their skipper, Smriti Mandhana, in the third over, a breakthrough that she played a direct role in by taking the catch off Chinelle Henry’s bowling. When Henry brought it up in their post-match chat, Voll acknowledged just how important that wicket was, noting that everyone was aware of how dangerous Mandhana could be at the top of the order. “So yeah, it was obviously very crucial,” she said.
When Voll asked Henry if she was nervous taking Richa Ghosh’s catch in the 17th over, Henry admitted, “Yeah, it was terrifying.” She knew how dangerous Richa was and focused on staying calm under pressure. Laughing, she recalled how she just lay on her back after taking it, thinking, “Yeah, I caught it.”
In just three WPL matches, Voll amassed 154 runs at an impressive average of 77, making an instant impact. Reflecting on her short but memorable stint, she called it a great experience, enjoying the chance to bond with her teammates and adapt to new conditions. Having never been to India before, she admitted it was pretty eye-opening for a girl from Brisbane.
Voll’s classic knock against RCB came on a special occasion, International Women’s Day, making her knock even more meaningful. She was delighted to contribute to the team’s win and spoke about the message they carried into the game playing fearlessly and inspiring those around them. Emphasizing the broader significance of the occasion, she added, “And obviously, with International Women’s Day as well, inspiring all young kids that are in India and around the world as well.”
Though UP Warriorz became the first team to be knocked out of the tournament, they ended their campaign on a high note with a dominant win. Despite missing out on the playoffs, they unearthed some promising talent, with debutants like Georgia Voll leaving a strong impact.
(Quotes sourced from video posted by WPLT20 on Instagram)
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