AN ASH Gardner half century helped the Gujarat Giants overcome an awful start to their batting innings to beat the UP Warriorz by six wickets.

Despite falling to 2-2 inside the first nine balls of the innings, a 55-run third wicket partnership turned proceedings around for the Giants, and combined with a 58-run fifth wicket partnership saw them reach the target of 144 with two overs to spare.

It was a second consecutive half century for the Aussie star, who also got amongst the wickets.

Giants coach Michael Klinger had nothing but praise for his fellow Aussie Gardner, also noting how well she is captaining the side at the moment.

She’s making really good bowling changes on the field, field positioning and her batting, first two games has been fantastic,” Klinger said.

“I’m just asking her to enjoy herself and have fun and play some nice cricket, and she’s doing that and much more.”

The Giants’ innings was interestingly in stark contrast to how the Warriorz had started their innings, going at 11 runs an over for the first two overs of their innings. However, a particularly devastating six-ball passage in the middle of the innings changed that momentum, with Deandra Dottin and Priya Mishra combining to help take 3-5 to leave the Warriorz on the ropes.

Mishra was the most effective bowler, finishing with figures of 3-25 and drawing praise post-match from her coach Klinger.

“I thought her control was fantastic and she kept the stumps in play which is on a wicket like this where it’s just skidding a little bit low is really important,” Klinger said.

The Giants have a day’s rest before they look to make it two wins a row against the Mumbai Indians. The Warriorz meanwhile get an extra day to regroup before they take on Delhi.

SCORECARD

GUJARAT GIANTS vs. UP WARRIORZ

RESULT: Gujarat Giants defeated UP Warriorz by 6 wickets with 12 balls remaining
POTM: Ash Gardner (Gujarat Giants)
TOSS: Gujarat Giants won the toss & elected to bowl

UP Warriorz 9-143 (20.0)
Deepti Sharma 39 (27), Uma Chetry 24 (27)
Priya Mishra 3-25 (4), Deandra Dottin 2-34 (4), Ash Gardner 2-39 (4)

Gujarat Giants 4-144 (18.0)
Ash Gardner 52 (32), Harleen Deol 34* (30), Deandra Dottin 33* (18)
Sophie Ecclestone 2-16 (4)

RECENT WIPL RESULTS

>> REPORT | Royal Challengers Bengaluru 4/202 (18.3) defeated Gujarat Giants 5/201 (20.0)
>> REPORT | Delhi Capitals 8/165 (20.0) defeated Mumbai Indians 164 (19.1)

2025 WIPL TABLE