‘Bangalore WPL se bhi bahar.. parampara parthishta anushashan’ – Fans react to UP claiming final spot in WTL playoff race ending Bangalore hopes

In a crucial game at the lower end of the Women’s T20 League standings, saw Gujarat and UP face off against each other in a bid to get another win under their belt. This was Gujarat’s last game and only a win would keep their hopes alive in the tournament. Whilst, a win for UP, will all but guarantee them the final spot in the race for the playoffs.

How did this crucial match pan out between the two teams?

Gujarat won the toss and chose to bat first in a must win game for both sides. Gujarat faced early setbacks with a flurry of wickets during the powerplay. Dayalan Hemalatha and Ashleigh Gardner then joined forces and scored 50 runs each for the franchise, as they set a total of 178/6 in 20 overs.

Together, they scored 93 runs for the fourth wicket as Gujarat turned around a 50/3 deficit. Six fours and three sixes were smashed in Hemlatha’s 57 run total off 33 balls. Gardner, her companion, also made the same number of 4s and 6s as she did, scoring 60 off 39 balls.

UP had a sloppy start from the bat and lost quick wickets just like the opposition in the first innings. After being reduced to 39/3 in 4.5 overs, Tahila McGrath and Grace Harris helped the UP Warriorz regain control of the situation. Until McGrath was dismissed for 57, the pair’s fourth-wicket partnership had notched up 78 runs.

Harris had slammed her half-century and was still going strong. Deepti Sharma was dismissed later on in the innings but Harris was still adamant to take her side home as she was joined by Sophie Ecclestone. Kim Garth took the much needed wicket of Harris and suddenly UP needed 7 off the last over with two people on the crease.

Sophie Ecclestone showed the patience that was required in the situation and won her side the game. With this win, UP have qualified for the playoffs and they go into the match tomorrow with less pressure. Gujarat and Bangalore have now been officially eliminated from the Women’s T20 League.

Fans react to another thrilling game of cricket in the WTL : –