WPL: Finally, Giants break the duck

New Delhi, March 6

Laura Wolvaardt and Beth Mooney were in their elements as Gujarat Giants recorded a comfortable 19-run victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore to log their first points after four defeats in the Women’s Premier League here today.

Wolvaardt was at her free-flowing best, while skipper Mooney was equally regal as Gujarat finally put up a splendid batting show, posting a challenging 199/5 powered by their opening stand of 140 in 13 overs.

Having brought up the rear in the points table so far, Gujarat’s openers Wolvaardt (76 off 45 balls) and Mooney (85 not out off 51 balls) hit 25 boundaries between them apart from a six. In reply, RCB never seemed in the hunt as they managed only 180/8 with none of their top batters being able to convert solid starts. This was RCB’s third defeat in six games and they were outplayed in all departments of the game.

Brief scores: Gujarat Giants: 199/5 in 20 overs (Wolvaardt 76, Mooney 85*); Royal Challengers Bangalore: 180/8 in 20 overs (Wareham 48; Gardner 2/23).