Coming off a stiff six-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants will hope to have better control of the game when it faces UP Warriorz, which is yet to start its campaign.
The Giants, in the opener, showed the intent to start strong, posting only their second-ever 200-plus score in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). But it let the game slip through its hands, with more than five dropped catches, resulting in a third successive first-game loss.
The clash with Bengaluru, which saw several records tumble in high-scoring contest, was a clear indication that the Giants’ batting was not in question. Beth Mooney and Ash Gardner looked in fine form while Deandra Dottin provided ample support in the middle. But inability to deal with the pressure cost Gujarat a crucial two points in its first game.
With UP Warriorz yet to play a game, the focus will be on the team finding its balance. UP was dealt a huge blow when captain and opener Alyssa Healy was ruled out from the WPL season.
Handing over the responsibility to Indian spin all-rounder Deepti Sharma this year, the Warriorz face the challenge of finding the right opening partnership. Healy paired with Kiran Navgire most often, but the latter failed to make an impression, managing only one half-century in six out of eight games last season.
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Its middle-order remains a strong suit with the likes of Tahlia McGrath, Grace Harris, Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti herself providing ample support.
With the likes Chamari Athapaththu and Alana King in the squad, UP will have a task on its hands to finalise its overseas players. While the Sri Lankan veteran can solve the opening conundrum, pairing with Kiran or young Vrinda Dinesh, leg-spinner King and Deepti’s duo could dictate the proceedings in the middle overs.
UP comes into the game with a favourable head-to-head record, three wins in four matches, and stands a chance to hit Gujarat right where it hurts.