Half-centuries from Grace Harris and Tahlia McGrath have booked UP Warriorz a spot within the Women’s Premier League play-offs with a tense victory over Gujarat Giants.
Ash Gardner made a 39-ball 60 for Giants and likewise took McGrath’s wicket, a catch and a run-out in a effective all-round show, however couldn’t forestall her franchise being eradicated.
Harris hit 72 off 41 balls and McGrath 57 off 38 as Warriorz chased down Giants’ 6-178 with three wickets and a ball to spare.
The Australian duo placed on 78 in 54 balls for the fourth wicket after Warriorz slipped to 3-39 within the energy play with skipper Alyssa Healy first out, for an eight-ball 12.
After McGrath was out Harris accelerated and seemed like profitable the match with loads to spare.
But with eight balls remaining and 7 wanted she perished to Kim Garth, caught at long-on a ball after lofting her compatriot for six in the identical space.
England’s Sophie Ecclestone, nonetheless, saved cool and paddled the penultimate ball for 4 to make sure Warriorz would progress.
Giants have been essentially the most Australian of the 5 franchises, however have been hampered by shedding captain Beth Mooney to damage after one match. Besides her, Gardner and Garth that they had Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham of their squad and Rachel Haynes as coach.
The outcome additionally spelled the tip of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s play-off possibilities with a match to go, condemning Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Erin Burns and coach Ben Sawyer to an early return to Australia.
“Our batting unit held their nerve and got the job done,” mentioned Healy. “Grace, Tahlia and Sophie are doing amazing things for the bat for us.”
“I started again pretty scratchy,” mentioned Harris, “so I’m glad I was able to catch up. I’d love to finish a game off and still be out there, last couple of games I’ve got out at the wrong time, so that’s a key learning for next time.”
‘It’s enjoyable batting with Grace,” concluded McGrath. “She makes it look simple, she commentates on her personal batting – she’s only a freak.”
Delhi Capitals (with Meg Lanning, Jess Jonassen and Laura Harris) and Mumbai Indians (Heather Graham) make up the play-off trio.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
