Up Warriorz aim to seal final playoff spot with win over Gujarat giants

A deflated Gujarat Giants (GG) take on UP Warriorz (UPW) in Game 17 of the Women’s Premier League 2023 at Brabourne Stadium on Monday March 20.

Sneh Rana led the Gujarat Giants in the match against UP Warriorz after a shocking 8 wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

In the match against RCB, GG struck first and posted a healthy 188/4 in 20 overs thanks to a classy fifty from opener Laura Wolvaardt. But GG failed to defend the total as their bowling attack was dismantled by a defiant Sophie Devine who blew up 99 of 36 balls. Devine’s crushing blow meant RCB hit the target in just 15.3 overs and with 8 wickets in hand.

The loss meant GG remained fifth on the WPL points chart with their chances of making the playoffs!

Unlike GG, UPW will be very confident after ending Mumbai Indian’s winning streak.

Alyssa Healy’s UP Warriorz became the first team to defeat MI in the league by registering a comfortable 5 wicket victory against the side managed by Harmanpreet Kaur.

In a rare display of bad hitting, MI could only manage 127 against UPW as Sophie Ecclestone picked 3 wickets and was backed by Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/16) and Deepti Sharma (2/35). Although there were some initial hiccups in the race, but the all-rounders Tahilah McGrath and Grace Harris made sure their team was safe at home.

UPW’s win meant the team was in third place in the points table and became the third team after MI and Delhi Capitals to qualify for the playoffs.

If GG hopes to end their WPL campaign on a high, Rana, Wolvaardt, Sophia Dunkley, Ashleigh Gardner and Harleen Deol should get along well. Meanwhile, Healy will rely on his stick and his all-rounders to go around.

When and where to watch the game

The match between GG and UPW starts at 3:30 PM IST. The match can be watched on Sports 18 and can also be streamed live through the Jio Cinema app