GG VS UPW MATCH 18

Right then, as the curtains draw on this exhilarating match, Gujarat emerge triumphant, clinching a crucial victory in their penultimate match of this season's Women's T20 League group stage. Their hard-earned triumph now keeps them mathematically alive in contention for the playoffs which although heavily depends on the forthcoming clash between Mumbai and Bangalore. Scheduled for Tuesday, the 12th of March, at 7.30 pm IST (2.00 pm GMT), this match promises to be a spectacle you won't want to miss. Join us early for all the pre-match buzz and build-up. Until then, cheers and farewell!

Shabnam Shakil is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for her outstanding bowling spell with 3 wickets for just 11 runs. She says she is feeling happy to perform on a big platform and share the field with big players. Adds that she learned a lot from under-19 and she utilized the experience of Under-19 here and it worked well for her. Mentions that she likes to use the new ball and she was looking to enjoy every moment. Closes by saying that the basic plan was to keep the ball on top of off and she stuck to it.

The skipper of Gujarat, Beth Mooney says they stuck to the situation and gave their fans a great game to watch. Adds that they thought they had the game with those five early wickets but they let them creep closer. Credits Shabnam Shakil for the way she bowled and says she is a bigger prospect for the future and she deserved that 4 over spell. Concludes that it is nice to have a win before the tournament ends and that Delhi is a strong team and it will be a close contest.

It's time for the Presentation ceremony...

The skipper of UP Alyssa Healy says they thought they could give it a shot if they took the game deep and Deepti Sharma did exactly that but was just unhappy with the overall team effort. Adds that they were looking to take on the bowlers in the powerplay and that just did not come out well for them in this game. Mentions that they knew a victory here was their priority and they couldn't get that which leaves things not in their control but they still hope. Closes by saying that the side is full of amazing players happy to put up their hands and take responsibility and Poonam Khemnar is one of them and it feels happy to have such players in the squad.

Earlier in the game, Gujarat's openers came out swinging, displaying clear intent by manipulating UP's field placements and effortlessly finding the boundaries. Their partnership laid a sturdy foundation for a substantial total. However, the momentum shifted when Laura Wolvaardt departed in the 8th over, triggering a succession of wickets around Beth Mooney, which significantly slowed down the scoring rate. During the middle overs, it was Sophie Ecclestone who stemmed the flow of runs for UP, applying pressure with her precise bowling. The game's complexion changed dramatically in the final over as Beth Mooney launched a blistering assault on Sophie Ecclestone, plundering five boundaries to propel Gujarat's total to 152 runs staying unbeaten at 74 runs. Despite the onslaught in that final over, Sophie Ecclestone emerged as the standout performer for UP with figures of 3 for 38 in her four overs.

UP's innings began on a sour note as their captain, Alyssa Healy departed early with just 4 runs to her name. The subsequent dismissals of the next two batters, falling prey to ambitious shots, only added to the team's woes. The loss of Grace Harris a few overs later further compounded their troubles. Amidst the despair, however, Deepti Sharma stood tall, showcasing her sublime form with a flurry of powerful strokes that momentarily alleviated the mounting pressure. Teaming up with Poonam Khemnar, Deepti weathered the storm, manoeuvring singles and seizing control in the final overs to elevate the scoring rate at the crucial juncture. Despite their valiant efforts, they fell agonizingly short by just 8 runs, leaving their qualifying chances hanging by a thread. Despite Deepti Sharma's third consecutive half-century scoring an unbeaten 88-run knock, UP fell short of a much-needed victory.

Gujarat couldn't have dreamt of a better start after setting a target of 153 runs. Shabnam Shakil, despite a couple of loose deliveries to kick off, quickly found her rhythm and wreaked havoc in the very first over, snaring the prized wickets of Alyssa Healy and Chamari Athapaththu. Kathryn Bryce swiftly joined the party, sending Kiran Navgire packing in her maiden over. The momentum continued for Gujarat as Ashleigh Gardner dismissed the dangerous Grace Harris just a couple of overs later. With an extended spell, Shabnam then resumed with deadly precision, dismantling Shweta Sehrawat's stumps to further dent UP's hopes. With half of UP's top order back in the pavilion for a mere 35 runs at the end of the powerplay, Gujarat had firmly seized control of the game by the scruff of its neck. Despite an unexpected sixth-wicket partnership, Gujarat's bowlers maintained their composure in the death overs, finishing the match with an 8-run victory.

What an extraordinary contest we've been privileged to witness, a game that unfolded right down to the wire. In a display of remarkable composure, Gujarat held their nerve to secure a hard-fought victory by a slender margin of 8 runs.

Meghna Singh lands a perfect delivery angling into the batter, Poonam Khemnar looks to slog this one out of the park and misses. Gujarat has won this by 8 runs and they mathematically stay in the hunt for that final spot.

On a length in middle, Deepti Sharma flicks this towards deep mid-wicket and takes a single. Barring no extra delivery this is game sealed and signed for Gujarat.

SIX! DEEPTI SHARMA IS MADE UP OF A DIFFERENT METAL! Juicy half-volley outside off, Deepti Sharma clears her front leg and launches this over the fence yet again towards he long on region for a maximum.

Excellent from Meghna Singh as she nails a yorker in middle, Poonam Khemnar flicks this to mid-wicket for one.

Can UP pull this off with 17 runs needed off 4 deliveries?

Fuller on middle, Deepti Sharma flicks this to deep mid-wicket or one.

SIX! Deepti Sharma clears the fence for a maximum. There is life left in the tank of UP. Pitched up in middle, Deepti Sharma lofts this over long on for a maximum.

WIDE! On a length wide down leg, gets away from this assuming a wide from the umpire. The ball deflects off the pads of Beth and they cross for a single. Deepti Sharma reviews the call for a fair delivery as she thinks this is a wide and the replay suggests it is a wide.

Short of a length in middle, Poonam Khemnar slogs this off the cue end towards Kathryn Bryce at deep mid-wicket for one.