Harris, McGrath Help UP Warriorz Cruise To WPL 2023 Playoffs; Gujarat Giants, Royal Challengers Bangalore Knocked Out

Cricket Image for Harris, McGrath Help UP Warriorz Cruise To WPL 2023 Playoffs; Gujarat Giants, Roya (Image Source: WPLT20.com)

GUJ-w vs UPW-w: After the top order failed to contribute, Grace Harris and Tahlia McGrath stepped up with fifties as UP Warriorz defeated Gujarat Giants by 3 wickets in the 17th match of Women's Premier League 2023. UP Warriorz have become the third team to qualify for WPL 2023 playoff while Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore have been knocked out. 

Chasing 179 runs to win, UP Warriorz were at 39/3 in 4.5 overs, losing Alyssa Healy (12), Kiran Navgire (4) and Devika Vaidya (4) cheaply. However, just like GG-w, UPW-w number 4 and 5 batters got together as Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris etched a partnership of 78 runs in 53 balls for the 4th wicket. 

While Tahlia was dismissed in the 14th over by Ashleigh Gardner after scoring 57 runs off 38 balls, Grace Harris continued on the other end as the explosive batter added 72 runs off just 41 balls, before she was dismissed in the 19th over. However, GG-w required only 7 runs to win from 6 balls at that stage. 

For Gujarat Giants, Kim Garth picked up 2 wickets while Monica Patel, Ashleigh Gardner, Tanuja Kanwar and Sneh Rana picked up 1 wicket each.

Courtesy of excellent half-centuries by Ashleigh Gardner and Dayalan Hemalatha, Gujarat Giants posted a hefty total of 178/6 in 20 overs against UP Warriorz in the 17th match of Women's Premier League 2023. 

After an explosive start, Gujarat Giants were reduced to 50/3 inside the powerplay. Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Anjali Sarvani struck in the first 6 overs, removing Laura Wolvaardt (17), Sophia Dunkley (23) and Harleen Deol (4). 

From thereon, Dayalan Hemalatha and Ashleigh Gardner got together as the duo added 93 runs in 61 balls for the 4th wicket. Hemalatha was dismissed after scoring 57 runs off 33 balls with 6 fours & 3 sixes. Ashleigh Gardner on the other hand, smacked 60 runs off 39 balls with 6 fours & 3 sixes, taking GG to a good total in a must-win game. 

For UP Warriorz, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Parshavi Chopra grabbed 2 wickets each while Anjali Sarvani and Sophie Ecclestone managed 1 wicket apiece. 

Earlier, Gujarat Giants captain Sneh Rana won the toss & opted to bat first against UP Warriorz in the 17th match of WPL 2023. This match was played at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. 

Click here for GUJ-w vs UPW-w full score card