WPL: Devine’s allround show helps Giants stage a comeback win

Having suffered three consecutive losses, the Gujarat Giants staged a comeback to secure a comprehensive 45-run victory over UP Warriorz at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Thursday. Their resurgence was built on Sophie Devine’s fighting 50, a disciplined bowling performance highlighted by Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s threewicket haul, and a significant dose of fortune.Chasing 154, the Warriorz’ reply was undermined by two bizarre dismissals. Kiran Navgire was unluckily stumped after the ball deflected off the keeper’s pads, while Meg Lanning inadvertently knocked the ball onto the stumps with her thigh pad.

Reduced to 39/2 within the fifth over, the chase was further dented when Phoebe Litchfield (32 off 27) was dismissed by Ashleigh Gardner in the eighth over. In the space of just six balls, Harleen Deol (3 off 12) also departed for the pavilion.

When Deepti Sharma (4 off 7) was dismissed shortly after, the required run rate skyrocketed to 9.5, and the Warriorz crumbled.Rajeshwari ended with figures of 3-16, and Renuka Singh Thakur claimed 2-20.Later, Devine (2/16) wrapped up the proceedings. Earlier, UP Warriorz restricted Gujarat Giants to 153/8 after Kranti Gaud struck twice in the Powerplay and the spinners maintained pressure through the middle overs.

Before Thursday’s game, Kranti delivered economical spells for the UP Warriorz but found wickets elusive, with just one dismissal in five prior outings. However, on Thursday she flipped the script during the Powerplay.Opting to bowl first, the Warriorz were given an early advantage when Kranti used the new ball incisively, striking twice in quick succession. Her impressive start was seamlessly followed by the spinners, who applied relentless pressure through the middle overs.SCORES: Gujarat Giants 153/8 (Sophie Devine 50, Beth Mooney 38, Kranti Gaud 2/18) bt UP Warriorz 108 in 17.3 overs (Phobe Litchfield 32, Chloe Tryon 30, Rajeshwari Gayakwad 3/16, Renuka Singh 2/20, Sophie Devide 2/16)