Mithali Raj Slams UP Warriorz' "Absolute Batting Meltdown" in WPL Collapse

After three back-to-back losses, Gujarat Giants took the second spot in the points tally with three wins and losses each, as UP Warriorz, who had just picked two back-to-back wins after a hat-trick of losses, was sent to the bottom of the table with a 45-run loss to GG that saw them fail to chase down 154.

Speaking on 'Match Centre Live', JioStar expert Mithali spoke on UPW's batting, "It was an absolute batting meltdown by UP Warriorz. Panic set in early and lingered throughout the lineup. No partnerships formed after the openers fell--batters lacked intent to stay, rotate strike, or build innings, opting for poor big shots instead. Despite middle-order experience from Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, and Shweta Sehrawat, who have notched 20s, 30s, and even a 50, shot selection was dismal in this game."

GG reached 153/8 in 20 overs courtesy an unbeaten 50* in 42 balls by Sophie Devine and a steady 34-ball 38 by Beth Mooney at the top. UPW lost Kiran Navgire for a single-digit score again, but a 37-run stand between skipper Meg Lanning (14) and Phoebe Litchfield (32 in 27 balls, with five fours) seemed to help them find some stability. However, after the Australian duo was dismissed by the time the score was 57 in 7.5 overs, UPW slipped to 108 all out in 17.3 overs, with Chloe Tryon (30* in 22 balls, three fours and a six) left as the lone fighting warrior.

Rajeshwari Gayakwad, the left-arm spinner, took 3/16 in four overs, removing the Indian trio of Deepti Sharma, Shweta Sehrawat and Asha Sobhana. Renuka Singh and Sophie also got a couple of wickets to win this crucial clash that could lessen the traffic jam for the remaining two playoff spots, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) already in after five successive wins.

Mithali pointed out how Devine adapted well to her role as a middle-order batter and held one end steady, and how she made the best out of a dropped catch by Litchfield by smashing Shikha Pandey for two sixes in the final over and looting 16 runs to take her side past the 150-run mark.

"She started solidly but thrived more as an opener usually; in this game, she adapted to a middle-order role amid falling wickets, anchoring one end patiently. In the final over, after Phoebe Litchfield dropped her catch, she capitalised with 16 runs for momentum. Devine proved decisive on both fronts (bat and ball)," added Mithali.

The Indian cricket legend also analysed Rajeshwari's three-wicket haul, pointing out how Shweta's wicket was a standout because of the turn extracted by the left-armer.

"Pick of those wickets was Shweta Sehrawat--Gayakwad beat her completely in the air with some turn, leaving her found wanting. Deepti Sharma misread the line outside off, going for her usual sweep, but the ball kept painfully low. Overall, Rajeshwari Gayakwad truly shone, especially since she lacked chances in the previous match. She was in and out of the side, often restricted to finishing just one innings with four overs. In this game, after injury and missing international games, she grabbed her opportunity perfectly.

She mentioned being thrilled to contribute to the team's victory, and she has every reason to be, performing like this for Gujarat Giants in such a crucial situation," she concluded.

- ANI